BADUIZM

Erykah Badu is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. Her career began after opening a show for D’Angelo in 1994 in Fort Worth. Her first album, Baduizm, was released in February 1997. It spawned three singles: “On & On”, “Next Lifetime” and “Otherside of the Game”. The album was certified triple Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)

ERYKAH BADU | Soul Train Awards 2018

Soul Train Documentary | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkymY6VVzk8

“Live” | the first live album in 1997

Erykah Badu recorded her first live album, Live, while pregnant with Seven, and the release of the recording coincided with his birth. The album was released on November 18, 1997 and reached number four on the US Billboard 200 and number one on the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The album was certified two times platinum by RIAA for shipments of over two million copies. The album’s lead single, “Tyrone”, was released in October 1997 and became another R&B hit single. “Tyrone”, lyrically, is a song chiding a selfish, cheap, and inattentive boyfriend.

Erykah Badu | Tyrone | Live 1997

Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 1999

She also collaborated with the Roots (who had previously handled production duties on a number of tracks on Baduizm) on their breakthrough 1999 release Things Fall Apart. She was featured on the song “You Got Me”, by The Roots and American female rapper Eve. Co-written by Jill Scott, the song peaked at 39 in the US and 31 in the UK. The song went on to win The Roots and Badu a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1999.

Erykah Badu | Honey (Official Video)

Erykah Badu | Window Seat (Official Video)

Erykah Badu | “Tyrone” | North Sea Jazz 2001

Erykah Badu | Back In The Day (Puff) | late-night TV Show

Erykah Badu | at Dave Chappelle’s Block Party | 09/2004

Erykah Badu | performs Green Eyes at AfroPunk 2018

https://afropunk.com/tag/erykah-badu/ Erykah Badu performs Green Eyes at AfroPunk – August 26, 2018

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For almost 60 years, the Orchestra Baobab from West Africa has stood for opening up the music of its homeland to pop from the USA and Europe. For Nubiyan Twist from Leeds, in turn, the sound of this legendary orchestra is one of the cornerstones of their own bridge-building between Afrobeat, hip-hop, funk, and soul. The NUEJAZZ double concert on October 26 in Nuremberg opens a window into the future of contemporary music beyond stylistic boundaries.

Orchestra Baobab

Senegal became independent in 1960. Like many other states in Africa, Senegal had to start from scratch politically, socially, and economically after the withdrawal of the former colonial power, France, and build new structures in order to function and survive as a state. Politically, in particular, the first years were turbulent for the people of Senegal, characterized by the ambivalent attitude of their first Senegalese president, Léopold Sédar Senghor.

On the one hand, Senghor and his “Union Progressiste Sénégalaise” party effectively ruled alone from 1965 onwards. On the other hand, he pursued an almost visionary cultural policy, giving the Senegalese people unrestricted access to music festivals, recording studios, art galleries, and museums.
During these years, Senegal’s capital Dakar, was home to the Miami, a music club where bands performed and people could dance to their sound. As was customary at the time, this club also had its house band.

In 1970, the Miami was renamed Baobab, and the house band found its name: Orchestra Baobab. Even back then, the orchestra was as heterogeneous as its sound was hybrid, with musicians from Senegal, Togo, and other countries in West and Central Africa playing jazz, Latin, Afro-Cuban, and regional music.

The music of the Orchestra Baobab certainly inspired and fascinated its audience. And the longer the orchestra played together, the more it opened up to (Afro)American pop music. It disbanded in 1987, only to celebrate a comeback in 2001 at the instigation of Youssou N’Dour. Since then, Orchestra Baobab has been demonstrating worldwide that its unique blend of styles, for which it has always been renowned, has lost none of its freshness, liveliness, and originality.

Orchestra Baobab | North Sea Jazz 2023

Orchestra Baobab | Pape Ndiaye

Nubiyan Twist

The band Nubiyan Twist formed at Leeds College of Music in 2011. Even back then, nine fellow students from this music college in the northern English city wanted to make music that would ignore stylistic boundaries from the outset and sweep away any aesthetic restrictions. Even today, the nine musicians still want to be open to any genre; their music should stimulate you intellectually and emotionally in equal measure. And even back then, 13 years ago, the result was an urban sound clash of cultures, a breakneck mix of Afrobeat, funk, soul, hip-hop, and dancefloor that turned jazz on its head again.

This Afro-British collective has released three albums which, on the one hand, show what great musicians are gathered under the name Nubiyan Twist and who know how to master any task that comes their way with bravura. On the other hand, Nubiyan Twist is all about celebrating exuberant, pushing grooves, brass themes that flow into sweet melodies, laid-back harmonies and strong vocals. Little has changed on the fourth album, “Find Your Flame”. “Like all our albums, this one is a snapshot of our influences and journeys during production,” says Nubiyan Twist guitarist and bandleader Tom Excell.

“Most importantly, the process we went through together has helped to rekindle the fire of resistance to life’s adversities in each of us.”

Nubiyan Twist | So Mi Stay

Nubiyan Twist | Figure Numatic (live)

NUE JAZZ

In 2013, Nuremberg jazz musicians guitarist Frank Wuppinger and bassist Marco Kühnl envisioned organizing an international jazz festival for their hometown. What started eleven years ago as a local event has since evolved into a success story known as the NUEJAZZ Festival. For the two festival organizers, jazz is not merely a defined style; it is a fluid form of music created in the moment, transcending language, cultural, and social barriers. This approach aims to provide both performers and the audience with a unique and shared concert experience. Their efforts have been validated: this year, the NUEJAZZ Festival was awarded the German Jazz Prize as “Festival of the Year.”

Wuppinger and Kühnl are now so open in their programming that it is easy for them to curate aesthetically diverse bands and projects for each of their festival editions. The jazz of their imagination reaches out to the Afrobeat and Rumba Congolaise of Central and West Africa, integrates pop and rock music from the USA or Europe as a matter of course, and is happy to enter into connections with the club culture of the dancefloor, for example. Once again this year, from October 19 to 30, established jazz greats such as pianist Brad Mehldau and guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel will meet iconoclastic innovators such as London rapper and keyboardist Alfa Mist and American trumpeter Theo Croker.

A highlight of this year’s edition of NUEJAZZ promises to be the double concert on October 26, when the Pan-West African Orchestra Baobab shares the stage with Nubiyan Twist from Leeds, England.

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In the Blood Official Trailer

In the Blood Official Trailer 02

Darryl Jones started his career gigging around Chicago after college for a few years, which led to him getting a call from Miles Davis, his musical muse that taught him to listen deeply and to let the music be his guide – lessons Jones still carries with him today. After joining Davis at the age of 21, Jones goes on to play with other legends like Herbie Hancock, Sting, Peter Gabriel, and Madonna, eventually finding a home as bassist for the Rolling Stones, all shown in the film via montage. We also hear from other musicians and friends and see archival footage of his tenure with the Stones, as well as musings about Jones and praise for his rock-solid groove. (https://bassmagazine.com/artists/darryl-jones-in-the-blood-documentary-is-released)

Steps Ahead – Tokyo 1986

The Sessions

How I met Miles

After I’d been working around town in the local scene in Chicago I decided I’d like to be getting paid more. I made up my mind I wasn’t going to continue working for the going rate of $50 or $75 that I and a lot of musicians had been willing to work for.

Still living at home, I decided I’d spend my new found free time practicing Chapman Stick instead of taking more low-paying gigs. I was sure if I held out I could get more. That’s what I was doing when my mother called downstairs and asked if I had any gigs coming up that week. When I answered no and gave my reason why my mother suggested I reconsider. She wasn’t exactly suggesting. My mother, having the opinion that anyone living under her roof had to either be working or be in school, insisted I come upstairs and wash the dishes. Immediately.

That’s what I was doing when the phone rang. It was Vince calling. We’d been friends for years and we frequently played together around town. A detail worth noting is Vince is Miles Davis’ nephew. When I heard his voice I remembered that he’d been traveling as Miles’ assistant on a tour of Japan. Of course, I asked him how things were going. He said fine. He then mentioned that he was with Miles in NY and he said, ”Hey Darryl, Miles wants to hear you play over the phone.” I told him that this was not the kind of thing to joke about. That’s when he said, ”I’m serious.” I remember taking a beat and thinking,”Uh oh!” I told him to hold on so I could get my bass. After looking around the house I went back to the phone and said, ”Vince, my bass is in the car. Hold on, I’ll be right back. He said, “No. You hold on.”

The next sound I heard was that raspy voice. It was Miles. He said, ”Darryl, when can you be in New York?” With all the stories about how Miles was enigmatic and cool, I thought I should at least try not to seem too eager. I said, “I could be there in a couple of days.” His response was, ”WHAT’S GONNA TAKE YOU SO LONG!? YOU GONNA WALK!? I guess that woke me from my attempt at trying to seem unaffected. I said, “I’ll be there tomorrow morning. Then I asked if he still wanted to hear me play over the phone and he said, ”Naw, you can play, can’t you?”

Up until that time, I’d always answered that question with, ”I’m learning or I’m getting it together” but I thought this isn’t the time for false modesty. So, for the first time in my life I said, ”Yeah,I can play.” He said, ”Good cause if you can’t, I’m kicking Vince’s ass!”

The first thing I did after I got off the phone was to speak to my father. I said, ”Dad, could I borrow a couple of hundred dollars?” I told him I had to get to New York. I said, ”I have an audition with Miles Davis.” That’s when he looked up from the newspaper he was reading. I was sure he would be impressed, him being a serious Miles fan and a musician himself. He did look surprised but his eyes seemed to say, ”You have an AUDITION with Miles. That’s only a foot in the door. It doesn’t mean you have the job.” Then he nodded his head and said, ”Sure.”

The next morning I flew to NY and checked in to the Howard Johnson’s on 52nd and 8th as per Vince’s instructions. He said to wait for his call. A short time later the phone rang and Vince said, “Meet me at 315 W.71st St. Have a seat in the lobby and wait.” I remember it felt like a covert operation or espionage meeting or something. I jumped in a cab and off I went. A few minutes after I arrived a long gun-metal grey limousine pulled up in front of the building. I saw Vince get out and then Miles. They came into the lobby and Vince introduced us by saying, ”Miles, Darryl. Darryl, Miles.” Then Miles says, ”Vince! He’s a weird-looking dude!” I laughed and said to Miles, ”You know Jaco Pastorius? He said, ”Yeah.” I said, ”He told me I look like you.” Miles said, ”You do! Around the eyes.” We got onto the elevator. I was chewing gum and Miles asked me for a piece. I told him I was chewing my last piece. He said, ”You mean you came all the way to NY and you only brought one piece of gum?” From the beginning he was really charming and funny and warm. I don’t remember being afraid or nervous. Then he said something I will never forget. Before I started playing he said, ”Listen Darryl, if it doesn’t work out it doesn’t mean you can’t play. It just means I’m looking for something else.”

He asked me to play along with a tape he’d brought along. It was a live recording of a recent gig. He told me I didn’t have to play exactly what the bassist is playing. “Just play what feels right to you.” After I’d done that, he asked me to play a slow Bb blues. I began. He stopped me. He said, ”Real slow.” I started again. He stopped me again and said, “I mean real slow.” I played it slowly for a few minutes and he stopped me. At that time, he and Vince stepped into the bedroom. When Vince came out he came over to me and said, ”You got it!” I said, ”Nah, Vince. I want him to tell me.” Miles comes over and jabs me in the shoulder and says, ”You got it!” I called home and told my parents, ”I got it.” That was my beginning with Miles. That’s what happened. (https://darryljones.com)

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Bona Pinder Yayumayalolo was born in Minta, Cameroon, into a family of musicians, which enabled him to start learning music from a young age. His grandfather was a griot – a West African singer of praise and storyteller – and percussionist, as his mother was a singer. When he was four years old, Bona started to play the balafon. At the age of five, he began performing at his village church. Not being wealthy, Bona made many of his own instruments: including flutes and guitars (with cords strung over an old motorcycle tank). His talent was quickly noticed, and he was often invited to perform at festivals and ceremonies. Bona began learning to play the guitar at the age of 11, and in 1980, aged just 13, he assembled his first ensemble for a French jazz club in Douala. The owner befriended him and helped him discover jazz music, in particular that of Jaco Pastorius, which inspired Bona to switch his focus to the electric bass.

Richard Bona | “Vocal solo” enjoy!

Bona performing at TED Talks, April 2019

Career | Grammy Award 2002

Richard Bona emigrated to Germany at the age of 22 to study music in Düsseldorf, soon relocating to France, where he furthered his studies in music. While in France, he regularly played in various jazz clubs, sometimes with players such as Manu Dibango, Salif Keita, Jacques Higelin, and Didier Lockwood. In 1995, Bona left France and established himself in New York, where he still lives and works. In New York he played bass guitar with artists including Joe Zawinul, Larry Coryell, Michael and Randy Brecker, Mike Stern, George Benson, Branford Marsalis, Chaka Khan, Bobby McFerrin, and Steve Gadd. In 1998, Bona was the Musical Director of Harry Belafonte’s European Tour.

Raul Midon + Richard Bona | State of Mind

Debut solo album and world tour with Pat Metheny

His debut solo album, Scenes from My Life, was released in 1999. He has also been prominently featured in Jaco Pastorius Big Band albums, as well as many other albums by various top-tier jazz musicians. In 2002 Bona went on a world tour with the Pat Metheny Group. The release of the successful Speaking of Now album that year had marked a profound change in the group’s direction by adding younger musicians to the band, notably with Bona as bassist, vocalist, guitarist and percussionist, along with drummer Antonio Sánchez and trumpet player Cuong Vu.

In 2005 Bona released his fourth solo album Tiki, which included a collaboration with John Legend on one track, entitled “Please Don’t Stop.” The album was nominated for Best Contemporary World Music Album at the 49th Grammy Awards. Richard Bona’s music took on a distinctive Afro-Cuban flavor with the 2016 release of the Heritage album with Cuban band Mandekan Cubano. The album was released under Quincy Jones’ Qwest label.In 2015 he opened Club Bonafide in New York 52nd Street together with restaurateur Laurent D’antonio. He held a professorship of jazz music at New York University.

Background information

Birth name
Bona Pinder Yayumayalolo

Born
28 October 1967 (age 52)
Minta, Cameroon

Genres
Jazz fusion, world fusion, ethno jazz, Funk

Occupation
Musician, composer

Instruments
Bass, guitar and vocals

Labels
Universal, Columbia, Sony, Verve, GRP

Associated acts
Pat Metheny Group, Zawinul Syndicate, Mike Stern, John Legend and many more…

Website
www.richard-bona.com

Richard Bona + Lokua Kanza

Richard Bona | Jarasum Jazz Festival 2015

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Message from Mahalia | May 2020: So, as you know I didn’t get to do my show on my 22nd birthday at Brixton academy and I am missing you guys so much – I am missing performing and doing everything and I just wanted to give you this little live version of me and my band performing isolation tapes. • stay safe • stay sane!

Mahalia | Isolation Tapes

Mahalia | Surprise Me

Mahalia | I Wish I Missed My Ex | Live From YouTube Space, London

Mahalia’s overly anointed status still raises the hackles somewhat. Signed since she was 13, the Leicester singer-songwriter enjoyed early support from Ed Sheeran, putting out a 2016 debut project, Diary of Me, whose freshness was hampered by its fence-sitting between guitar balladry and soul. Love and Compromise is technically the 21-year-old’s second album, but is being pushed as her debut proper. It resolves the genre problem, having opted for an eclectic take on British soul-pop. Despite the emotional content here, Mahalia exudes a breezy mellowness, with thoroughly 2019 themes rubbing up against retro stylings.

Mahalia | Impressions

The Story Of Mahalia | Roots (Artist On The Rise)

BRB | feat. Pink Sweat$

Grateful

Consistency | Live From YouTube Space, London

Mahalia & Kojey Radical | One Night Only

Simmer | Live From YouTube Space, London

Sober | Bloodworks Live Studio

Work | Ont’ Sofa Live at Stereo 92

Karma | Live From YouTube Space, London

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“I COME IN PEACE, BUT I MEAN BUSINESS“

Janelle Monáe Robinson is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, actress, and producer. She is signed to Atlantic Records, as well as to her own imprint, the Wondaland Arts Society. Throughout her career, Monáe has received eight Grammy Award nominations.

She won an MTV Video Music Award and the ASCAP Vanguard Award in 2010. She was also honored with the Billboard Women in Music Rising Star Award in 2015 and the Trailblazer of the Year Award in 2018.

In 2012, she became a CoverGirl spokesperson. The Boston City Council named October 16, 2013, “Janelle Monáe Day” in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, in recognition of her artistry and social leadership.

Janelle Monáe | Q.U.E.E.N. (feat. Erykah Badu)

AfroPunk History

– AfroPunk Festival

The term originated from the 2003 documentary Afro-Punk directed by James Spooner.

In the early 21st century, Afro-punks made up a minority in the North American punk scene. In the United Kingdom, influential black musicians associated with the late 1970s punk scene included Poly Styrene of X-Ray Spex, Don Letts 

 Basement 5. Afro-punk has become a movement comparable to the early hip hop movement of the 1980s. The Afropunk Music Festival was founded in 2005 by James Spooner and Matthew Morgan.

“In their 15 years of existence, Afropunk has managed to curate an environment that can only be described as an ethereal, momentary hideaway for black people from all corners and crevices of the diaspora – and this year was no different. The festival explicitly invites folks to come and be who they are, wear whatever they wear, and dance how they dance. It was a blank space to freak out in – and freak out they did.” – GQStyle

“AFROPUNK became a radical act of self care – a realized demand of safe spaces for people of color.” – TeenVogue

“The musicians at AFROPUNK were there not just to sing and rap but to celebrate and give voice to communities of difference. That dual responsibility is exactly what separates AFROPUNK from other run-of-the-mill music festivals in America.” – Noisey

AfroPunk Festivals

AfroPunk has Festivals in 5 locations. The 2019 Brooklyn AfroPunk Festival took place on August 24 and 25. The Atlanta AfroPunk took place on October 12 and 13. There were also festivals in London, Paris, and Joburg in 2019. The line-up for the festivals varied depending on location but included artists like, Jill Scott, Anderson Paak, FKA Twigs, Leon Bridges, Danny Brown, Smino, Tierra Whack, Ho99o9, Earth Gang, Kamasi Washington, Santigold, Fever 333, Leikeli47, Mahalia, and many more.

(From afropunk.com and Wikipedia)

Tightrope | Live 2010 | on Late Show with David Letterman

Tightrope | Official Video 2010

Janelle Monáe | Electric Lady

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Batila | Mbeli

afrolifestyle | interview with Batila

Berlin 06/2020

afrolifestyle: You grew up in Germany where your family emigrated from Congo, bringing the entire culture as a unique physical link of your country. When did you realized, that you have to be on stage as a musician?

Batila: Well, I didn’t really realise because it just happened. What I realised is that i had a certain presence on stage the audience seem to appreciate. 

afrolifestyle: You are deeply connected with Congolese music. Who has influenced you the most?

Batila: I cannot say that a specific artist influenced me the most because I need to feel the music, the message, it needs to hit my heart so I can say a bunch of Congolese Artists. Although Papa Wemba, his style of singing,  his open mind and the courage to fuse traditional music with modern and of course his stage presence always impressed me. Also, his spirit always want to connect to the youth and La Sape of course. So let me just say ” VIEUX BOKUL” ( PAPA WEMBA) and the overall ingenuity of Congolese music. 

afrolifestyle: How would you describe your music?

Batila: Simply Bantu Soul..  i don’t want to explain. discover

afrolifestyle: What were the most challenging moments in your music career

Batila: When you are down, completely broke, distracted by life and you still have to continue. when everyone has doubts but you need to stay focused. Its an everyday challenge I guess because I believe in my original music 

afrolifestyle: You also have a passion for fashion and design. How would you describe your performance style on stage?

Batila: I don’t really have a passion for fashion. I want to call myself a stylish person but not at all fashionable. I like unique looks, simple but still outstanding. I love colors but I am also into Black. My style of performance, I can’t really say, it depends a lot on my inner mood. But I always want to give the best of myself to the audience. I love it when I see the audience enjoying as much I am. I also like to shock them sometimes. I just perform

afrolifestyle: As a seasoned singer/songwriter and performer you are now based in Berlin. What are your plans for the future?

Batila: Africa is the future above all – but for the near future definitely the release of my Album TATAMANA, Touring, and many collaborations with various artists.

afrolifestyle:  Thank you for the interview!

Batila | Mbeli | on soundcloud

Batila | Bio

Batila grew up in Germany where his family emigrated from Kongo over a decade ago, bringing with them their entire culture as a unique physical link of their country. Although been in Europe and influenced by Hip-Hop, R’n’B and Rock, he was deeply connected with his African roots: the popular Congolese music which has matured his passion threw artists such as Papa Wemba, the poetic songs of Simaro Lutumba, Rocherau Tabuley, Franco Luambo Makiadi, also Alpha Blondy, Billy Ocean, George Benson, Peter Tosh, Tracy Chapman, the roots, Bob Marley and many more– who have influenced his songwriting skills and the way to express his feelings in the form of melody. Writing inspirational songs in English, German, Lingala and sometimes in French, his sweet and mellow voice can deeply drive us through his own world seasoned by various human feelings. Onstage he is in his element and has for over a decade rocked countless crowds. His vocal skills have over the years kept him in demand as a featured artist on a variety of material from Hip Hop to House.

If music is food for the spirit and Batila a chef, describing his recipes is as intriguing as talking about the man himself. He creates a vibrant mix of sound that is as colourful as his background.It is an unusual mixture of ingredients, skillfully combined to create a final result that is delightful and stimulating to the senses. He is a seasoned singer/songwriter and performer now based in Berlin. Influenced by Kinshasa, London and now Berlin he has been patiently crafting material for his debut album knowing a wholesome meal takes time to prepare.

The LP will be recorded live to capture the special magic that comes with playing together. For additional overdubs different Artist friends will be invited to emphasize the originality of certain titles. From the textual content, the forthcoming Album explores African spirituality, takes a critical look at society, and questions love relationships that have been experienced not in a gloomy manner but rather hopeful.

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African patterns in arts and design

• Nukwami, the multi-talented artist shows us how easy it could be to communicate with each other – thank you!

Nukwami can you briefly introduce yourself and your art?

I am a Rwandan German artist. My artistic work ranges from picture books, illustrations, paintings, murals, merchandize designs to soundscapes, songs and instrumental music compositions. Currently, I am more focussed on my visual arts, paintings and merchandize with African designs. My visual style is currently largely influenced by traditional ethnic/African patterns.

I love to create, it is like breathing, it is mandatory for my wellbeing and enables self-discovery, connecting with the unknown realms, to the unconscious or to people and different cultures. Art also gave me an authentic voice, a place to do what I love and to be myself. 

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I would say that inspiration, to me, has various origins …it depends on the creative channel through which I create. My approach to create can be deductive, inductive or improvisational.  My visual art comes from spontaneous impulses, visions, or dreams but it also may be triggered from outside like e.g. a conversation, a pattern on a wall, a subtle sound, a word, or an attractive color…I mean it can be anything that speaks to me at that moment. 

Musically, ideas come mostly through improvisation and are often fuelled by the specific mood of the day. Sometimes I heard a melody in my head or in a dream.

Luna Loves the moon | a wonderful children’s book | 24/7

How did you get the idea for Luna?

My first picture book Luna was inspired by a dream I had. I remembered the story line of the dream and decided to write it down. 

What is Luna about?

Luna is a story of a cat that dreams of going to the moon. The story tells how through love she fulfils her seemingly impossible dream.

When did you start with music?

While I was studying sociology, I had that epiphany that I would regret not having followed my dream of being an artist and to compose songs. So I finally decided to follow my heart registered at a private music school to learn about music production and music composing theory through workshops and seminars.

Nukwami | u_R_a_gift (soundcloud)

How did you come to produce your music yourself?

While I was studying sociology, I had that epiphany that I would regret not having followed my dream of being an artist and to compose songs. So I finally decided to follow my heart registered at a private music school to learn about music production and music composing theory through workshops and seminars.

Nukwami | be just be (soundcloud)

When did you start to paint?

It all started during the time I wrote Luna. I wanted to make a picture book but didn’t know or had the means to illustrate it. So I started making my own illustrations. I think it was around 2015-2016. When I found my style making illustration I later made my first acrylic painting entitled: “The doors are open” from my SQUARES series in 2018.

Nukwami | wall paintings

Does your work reflect phases of your life?

Not consciously but I am sure it does.

Meet the artist

Nukwami | Music Control (soundcloud)

Nukwami | Who (soundcloud)

Where does your inspiration come from to use African patterns in your art?

Strangely enough, it came from the fact that I am a comic book fan. I grew up with Mangas, Disney, Marvel or DC comics as well as French or Belgian Bandes Dessinées and always liked to dive into these unique wonderful designs and worlds of each “comic design school”.  The only thing missing were designs or worlds that I could visually identify with. Later when I decided writing my first picture book, I developed my own style for its illustrations which integrated African patterns and designs. 

The same goes for African patterns designs for my merchandizes. I was searching for products with contemporary African/Rwandan designs but couldn’t find any. So I decided to create them myself and that’s actually how e.g. the phone covers came about.

Thank you for the interview!

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Pharrell & adidas Originals “Inspiration” Pack. Back in September we saw the latest capsule release from the adidas Originals x Pharrell Williams Solar Hu collab, and the new offering follows up on the East African influence, with a few more style nods in respect to Asian culture as well.

Solar Hu collab | impressions

The fittingly-titled “Inspiration Pack” borrows from a global perspective, with a full set of apparel and sneakers highlighted by the fan-favorite adidas NMD Hu silhouette. The four colorways available for the shoe include “Black,” “White,” “Power Blue” and a standout “Clear Sky” iteration, each incorporating cultural keynotes from both cultures mentioned earlier.

Mr. Happy

 Influencing An Entire Generation

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