@samoraabayomi
The above video is taken from The Transformations Suite, by Samora Abayomi Pinderhughes, a 24-yr-old pianist and composer, known for large multidisciplinary projects and for his use of music to examine sociopolitical issues. The video uses a poem written by Jeremie Harris.
The project overview reads as follows:
The Transformations Suite is an acclaimed project combining music, theatre, and poetry to examine the radical history of resistance within the communities of the African Diaspora. Continuing in the tradition of artists such as Bob Marley, Duke Ellington, Marvin Gaye, Billie Holiday and Tupac Shakur, the suite paints a musical picture of the current state of social inequality and injustice in the United States and beyond.
Further, it notes:
Centered in the belief that there is a soundtrack to every revolution, the vision for this piece is that it will foster dialogue on social justice issues throughout the world, show how art can create social change, contribute to the powerful growing movement on behalf of black lives around the country, and empower all people – especially youth – to make their voices heard.
As well, Pinderhughes’s artistic statement notes the following about the video that he co-directed with Stefon Bristol:
Art must reflect life.
What you see here is a collection of young artists of color seeking to bear witness to this present moment.
From our mouths to your eyes and hearts – our response to the murders of so many black and brown people by representatives of the state (not to mention the thousands of others surveilled & threatened every day).
We as a nation are at a critical moment in time, and we must choose to change direction.
We will not compromise in our pursuit of justice.
We will not retreat in the face of inequity.
We will not ignore the patterns of brutality.
We will NOT be silenced!-As my namesake Samora Machel said: let us Continue The Struggle.
Much love,
Samora Pinderhughes
Watch and be moved.
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