Passages:The Water Brought Us New Music from Mausiki Scales

Mausiki Scales and the Common Ground Collective Album Release Party tonight at Cenci in Atlanta

CONGRATULATIONS MAUSIKI SCALES and THE COMMON GROUND COLLECTIVE!
 
Passages: The Water Brought Us, is the latest independent release from Mausiki Scales and The Common Ground Collective. This full length album includes hits featuring Julie Dexter, Jahi Kearse, Russell Gunn and so many more.
 
You’ve heard them jam at Art, Beats + Lyrics, Apache Cafe, National Black Arts Festival, and Hot Ice Live. Join us TONIGHT Friday, November 7th at Cenci in East Atlanta for a live performance and true Afro-Beat jam session.
 
For those of you who missed the Fela Kuti tribute a few weeks ago, here’s your chance to experience the band that had everyone dancing! Click the link to watch video from the event.

You can pick up an advance copy of the album at Moods Music in Little 5 Points, DigStation or purchase a copy at tonights performance. Don’t miss this opportunity to show your love and appreciation to one of Atlanta’s most talented bands! Mausiki is the truth!
 
We hope to see you there!
 
What folks are saying about this project…
 
“I truly needed this! It is refreshing to hear REAL music! This music has actually inspired me in a real way. Anyone that misses music that inspires – music that you can literally FEEL – will appreciate this album. This is an album that you can put on and just let it play from beginning to end.” – David
 
“There’s a little something for everybody in this cd! It truly exemplifies the musical brilliance of all Afrikan peoples throught the diaspora. My favorite is Sweet Dreams but also love Children of the Crossroads, Mama’s Callabash and Procession of the Purple Pipers. I found myself liking something about each song so it was really hard to pick solid favorites. So, sit back listen and enjoy…you won’t be dissappointed!”

-Calethia

CHANGE HAS COME…IN MY LIFETIME!

The First Family

I am so happy today…no, happy is fleeting. I am joyful…I am full of immense joy that no one or thing can take away. I can’t describe the feelings that came over me and my friends last night as we waited anxiously in front of the television, switching between CNN, B.E.T., Comedy Central (we love John Stewart) and even FOX News channel; had to see what the haters were saying. But at 11:55 p.m. the announcement came through and we lost it. The entire East Point community must have heard us yelling at the top of our lungs.

That's me on the far left and all my wonderful friends who shared in the special moment with me! Including the cute doggie Bailey. Someone had to take the picture so I'll post the other one too.

A very special moment for me came when my younger brother called me from Los Angeles telling me that I reminded him of Oprah Winfrey and that I was always encouraging him and telling him to believe. He said that this moment was so special for his age group and for young black men all over the world; that they have been reminded that they too, can achieve greatness and overcome perceived insurmountable odds. Yes, we can! I am sitting at my desk here at work, focused on God and surrendering to His will for my life. I too can affect positive change in someway and I shall! We all will if only we continue to believe! I love you all.

Peace and ONE Love,

Saniyyah

Black Man Film Festival-Atlanta November 2, 2008

Sunday November 2nd, 2008 in Atlanta 12 noon to 9p.m. Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave., Atlanta GA 30303 Free Web: blackmanfilmfest.net Email: info@blackmanfilmfest.net

There are so many things I love about Atlanta, and there seems to never be a shortage of culturally significant events to attend. One being the Black Man Film Festival which is produced by Mr. Yemi Toure. Yemi is a long-time community activist and media critic. He holds a master’s degree in journalism from UCLA and has taught at four universities. His writings have appeared in the New York Times and Newsweek, among other publications and web sites. He has worked in the newsrooms of the Los Angeles Times and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. This is the seventh year of the film festival which focuses on male-female relationships, hip-hop, masculinity, spiritual issues black political prisoners, domestic violence and father-son ties.

This years festival will focus on the Black American mans journey, and struggle over the last ten or so decades. Taken from the BMFF website, “In keeping with the hot race for the White House, the Festival’s theme is–”Black Politics: From Slavery to Civil Rights to the White House.” The film I highlighted in my last post, Walking with Guns, will also be screened at the festival at 1:15pm.

This event is free for all is takes place at the Auburn Ave. Research Library. What makes this event even more special for me as a black woman is that there is a tribute especially for us at the conclusion of the films. I’ll be there to get my love, front and center. I work hard man; I deserve it. We all do and I’m so honored and proud that Yemi and his team have continued to do this important work.

So please check the site and take a look at the films being presented and men, I encourage you to take a young man with you and watch the incredible journey of our history in this country. We will have our first Black President in just a few days so this is a timely exhibit of art, culture and expression. Hope to see you there.

Atlanta Premiere of “Walking with Guns”: a film about the tragedy of gun violence and hope for redemption

On Sunday, I had the opportunity to view the film, “Walking With Guns,” presented by the Andrew Young Foundation at the Woodruff Arts Center.  This film is part of a series produced by Ambassador Andrew Young titled, “Andrew Young Presents,” and is co-produced by Atlanta native, Dr. Joyce Wilson. It includes extensive footage of the Grammy-winning artist T.I. visiting a rehabilitation hospital in New York to meet patients paralyzed by gang violence. The film also shows T.I. and Young telling young people how to avoid violence, and also follows the life of Hank Carter, a former New York gang member who is now a social activist. The film also features still images by Atlanta photographer Shannon McCollum.  The hour long film was followed by a panel conversation with Mayor Shirley Franklin, Atlanta Police Chief Richard Pennington, Mike “Killa Mike” Render, Clifford “T.I.” Harris and Ambassador Andrew Young. The picture here was taken by Shannon after the panel.

Atlanta Police Chief Richard Pennington, Mayor Shirley Franklin, Killa Mike, TI, Ambassador Andrew Young

 

The film explained the story from his point of view and detailed T.I. having his best friend and confidante Philant Johnson killed in 2006 which led him to fear for his own life thus purchasing machine guns and silencers and subsequently being arrested hours before the B.E.T. awards in 2007. I loved when Killa Mike mentioned that he was moved to organize a community event and feature T.I. and other rappers/activists before his arrest and like Jonah in the bible, he abandoned his idea in fear that he would be intruding or out of place. Months later T.I. was arrested and he felt so bad for not reaching out ealier. He told T.I. that God was using him as a conduit of change. I believe Killa Mike is a conduit himself; we all can be if we so choose to be used by God in that way. I pray that more rappers will take a stance for what is righteous and truly begin to look at how badly they themselves needed positive role models when they were young men. I was inspired by the idea that hip-hop artists are standing up and speaking to the youth in a way that will help them to appreciate and truly value life and how to effectively address your “haters” and without resorting to gun violence.

The film will be shown on Atlanta’s WSB-TV on Sunday, November 2nd at 1pm. Please tune in and tell me what you think.

One love,

Sahar

SPREADLOVE Presents A Tribute to The Man & His Music: Fela Kuti

SPREAD LOVE

So tonight, I’ll be heading to Cenci, ( 1259 Glenwood Ave SE Atlanta, GA 30316)
to get my groove on! Atlanta’s own DJ Kemit and DJ Ausar will be spinning a soulful blend in tribute to the King of Afro-Beat himself, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Some of my closest friends may remember me going to New York last month to see the off-Broadway play titled Fela. (I should have blogged about it then). Directed and choreographed by Bill T. Jones, Fela was played by Sahr Ngaujah and my Lord, it was awesome, incredible and totally soul-stirring! It was a such a blessing and Anjelique Kidjo was seated right in front of me. I heard that Sahr would be making a surprise appearance tonight…blessing us with his presence after channeling Fela for the past two months. It’ll be good to have him back in Atlanta. Let’s congratulate him for two months of sold-out performances! Click here to read the New York times review of the play.

Also, performing tonight is my buddy Mausiki Scales and The Common Ground Collective, (read the next post for more info about his upcoming album release party). He is musical director for the 14-piece orchestra band and I have never left a CGC show disappointed, only wanting more. Tonight is going to be so special and spiritual at the same time. Fela was a warrior for his people and voiced his discontent for the Nigerian government and their evil practices even after being threatened, beaten, they killed his mother, his compound was burned and still he rose to make some of the best musical stylings ever created, Afro-Beat.  Come out and celebrate the life of Fela Kuti and get a workout at the same time…it’s going to be HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations Giwayen Mata!

Giwayen Mata presents HIGHLIGHTS... A celebration of 15 Years of drumming,dancing & singing, while daring to do them differently!

I am so excited! Giwayen Mata was one of the first artistic performances I saw when I moved to Atlanta ten years ago. I believe it was at a Funk Jazz Kafe and I have been a huge fan ever since. Their performances are always soul stirring and have moved me to tears. Omelika Kuumba, the co-founder and director is the most sweet gentle soul, and when she gets on those drums…it’s simply divine. Please come out and support and celebrate these sisters for the remarkable work that they do and have continued to do for the past 15 years! The Anniversary performance is tommorow night at the Rialto Center for the Arts! See you there.   

 GIWAYEN MATA
 Omelika Kuumba, Co-founder, Director
                Presents

A Celebration of 15 Years of Drumming, Dancing & Singing While Daring to Do Them Differently!
 
Saturday, September 27, 2008 7pm
Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University
80 Forsyth St, NW Atlanta, GA 30303     
$25 IN ADVANCE

404-413-9TIX (9849)
Group, student and senior citizens: $21.25 IN ADVANCE
Children: $18 IN ADVANCE
Box Office hours: Mon-Fri 10 am- 4 pm
ALL SEATS $28 AT THE DOOR
MARKETPLACE, GUEST PERFORMERS, SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER
 
INFO: 404-766-4001 http://giwayenmata.org www.myspace.com/giwayenmata

International Black DocuFest September 18-20 Atlanta, GA

Where Innovative Film Meets the Art of Conversation

Sahar Creative Services is proud to be a media partner and panel moderator for the 2nd Annual International Black DocuFest (IBDF). The film screenings, moderated panel discussions and newly added photography exhibit will take place at the High Museum of Art’s Walter C. Hill Auditorium.

Over the course of three days, audiences will have an opportunity to view documentaries that uniquely capture and chronicle the diverse experiences of black life from around the globe; while celebrating black documentary film as an essential genre. IBDF’s programming focuses on documentaries that will educate, challenge, and inspire audiences. This unique programming event will consist of screenings followed by dynamic conversations with special guest moderators and panelists, using documentary film as a powerful medium to incite socially-conscious discourse and cultural awareness. IBDF will kick off its festivities on Thursday, September 18th.

Since its inception, IBDF has garnered the attention of filmmakers from as far reaching places as Ghana, South Africa, Peru, Nepal, Uganda, India, and the United Kingdom. “IBDF’s programming will spotlight black documentary film, celebrate its importance, and give audiences a “virtual ride” through the unique sights and sounds that span across several continents,” said Lydia Odenat, IBDF Director of Programming. “It is our hope that the International Black DocuFest will deliver a rare experience that leaves audiences transformed.”

I invite you all out to view these extraordinary films, some of which are being premiered at IBDF. On Saturday, September 20th at 5:35 pm, I will be moderating a panel discussion titled, Arts & Activism: Artists’ as Social Change Agents. The panel will feature Writer/Activist Ed Garnes, Rapper/Activist Stic-Man of Dead Prez, Professor/Author Dr. Jelani Cobb, Photographer Carla Aaron Lopez and Visual Artist Okeeba Jubalo. I am certain with such a diverse group of artists and activists the conversation will be enlightening and entertaining. The panel discussions are first come first serve so get there early to secure your seat.

Please visit the IBDF website today to RSVP for the films of your choice. The screenings are free and fill up fast. I look forward to seeing you all there to support the young, black and gifted talent of Atlanta and beyond.

*Note: IBDF facts and notes taken from the 2008 Press release on IBDF website.

Sergio Mendes – Waters of March (Feat. Ledisi)

So, last night I was flipping through the channels and I stopped on Jay Leno because he cracks me up from time to time. I’m glad I kept it on NBC because I was blessed with a pleasant surprise. My all time favorite vocalist Ledisi was performing with my new favorite Samba King, Sergio Mendes. I may be late to a few of you music aficionados however; I didn’t hear of Sergio Mendes until his 2006 release of Timeless, which was a collaboration with Will.i.am. That album is still in rotation-I love it.

Encanto (enchanted in English) is his most recent album and the first single to be released is titled Waters of March. “Waters of March” (Portuguese: “Águas de Março“) is a bossa nova song composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim. Jobim wrote both the English and Portuguese lyrics. The song lyrics, originally written in Portuguese, do not tell a story, but rather present a series of images that form a collage; nearly every line starts with “É…” (”[It] is…”). (Thank you Wiki)

Ledisi lyrically creates the collage of words so beautifully. Hearing her is one thing but seeing her live is a totally different experience; her foot taps, her facial expressions, her hands swaying to the beat. She totally gets into it and Sergio was so proud. He smiled during the entire performance. I really appreciate his desire to cast incredibly talented singers and musicians from all over the world. I haven’t purchased the album yet but I’ll be hitting up iTunes as soon as I get home today.

Here’s a link to a video of Ledisi singing live on AOL Black Voices. This is one of her older songs but I appreciate the lyrics and I absolutely love her improv at the end. Okay, until next time enjoy some good music, Take Your Time and remember to breathe!

One Love,

Saniyyah

Trouble the Water…coming to a city near you

Trouble the Water Opens August 22 in New York and Los Angeles with a nationwide release to follow

Greetings ya’ll. I am back in full force. Sorry for the delay in postings. As you all may know, I currently work for the National Black Arts Festival and we just concluded our ten-day 20th Anniversary celebration. What a blast it was and I am so exhausted and ready for my vacation. I am thankful for the opportunity to work on such a important event and witness history being made. I saw Gladys Knight perform live at the Atlanta Civic Center with her own symphonic orchestra (fantastic), Wynton Marsalis and his quartet perform with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (amazing), Urban Bush Women, Ron K. Brown’s Evidence Dance company and dancers from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater perform a tribute to Judith Jamison (awe-inspiring). My favorite and most memorable moment was viewing a documentary film that was screened on the closing night of the Pan African Film Festival. Its named Trouble the Water and was directed and produced by Tia Lessin and Carl Deal.

This film had me completely enthralled from the first frame. I knew it was a documentary about Hurricane Katrina but what I wasn’t prepared for was to be introduced to one of the strongest, most beautiful black women on the planet. Her name is Kimberly Roberts Rivers and she and her husband were long time residents of the New Orleans 9th Ward (France St. for my New Orleans folks). She decided to pull out her video camera and tape footage of her community before the hurricane hit. She and her husband wanted to leave but couldn’t because they didn’t have transportation. And so the story begins. By societal standards her thick New Orleans accent and gold teeth wouldn’t count for beautiful, but her strength, resilience, love for God and her husband and witty sense of humor, even on the brink of death remind me how awesome we are. She captures some very moving footage, a side of Katrina we’ve never seen and I won’t tell the whole movie because I encourage you all to go out see this film. Trouble the Water will be released in Atlanta on August 29th at the Midtown Art Cinema.

Trouble the Water was the winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. “This astonishingly powerful documentary takes you inside Hurricane Katrina in a way never before seen on screen. Incorporating remarkable home video footage shot by Kimberly Rivers Roberts-an aspiring rap artist trapped with her husband in the 9th Ward-Fahrenheit 9/11 and Bowling for Columbine producers Tia Lessin and Carl Deal weave this insider’s view of Katrina with a devastating portrait of the hurricane’s aftermath. Trouble the Water is a redemptive tale of two self-described street hustlers who become heroes-two unforgettable people who survive the storm and then seize a chance for a new beginning”.

I remember calling my dad, who lived in New Orleans at the time and asking him if I could come and visit because I had never been to New Orleans before. He was on his to Atlanta to get away from the impending storm. He now lives in Atlanta with his wife and son and because of Katrina. We now live in the same city for the first time since I was nine years old. We are getting closer to one another and learning from one another. I am thankful for Katrina for that reason. Kimberly is thankful for Katrina because it made her and her husband realize their dreams and change there existence from drug dealing to creating a life that they and God will be proud of.

As I learned in this film and in my own life, what may seem insurmountable is really just an opportunity to prove to yourself that you can. I don’t believe there is a single person who wasn’t moved or touched by Hurricane Katrina and the failing of the levees in New Orleans. Please leave me some comments. How were you changed or inspired by Katrina? Have you seen the film already? What did you think about it?

The Renaissance at The Grape-Inman Park

Since January of 2008, cultural ambassador and visual artist E. Hood has been hosting The Renaissance at the Grape restaurant in Inman Park, Atlanta. Each and every Thursday from 8pm-11pm, live bands, film screenings, wine tastings and live art installations are featured. After living in Atlanta for ten years, E. Hood was motivated to produce this weekly event after realizing a void of such programming for people his own age. “My inspiration was to demystify fine art collecting, wine tastings and the culture that surrounds those two things to the young urban demographic.” Thus The Renaissance was born.

Tonight a smooth jazz band named NY Swag will play live. To quote them they are, ” Simply 5 skilled and learned musicians who love to provide excellent live music for the masses.” I’m looking forward to choosing from over 120 different wines while chilling on the patio and listening to some good music this evening. The weather has been great and I love wine on any night, but especially while in pleasant company. The Grape in Inman Park is located at 300 N Highland Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307. Come out and support these talented artists and musicians tonight or any Thursday night and I look forward to seeing you there. Are you a wine connoisseur ? Leave me a comment and tell me what wine you recommend? I may feature you in an upcoming post.

One Love,

Saniyyah