Last week, Our Time Press introduced Blak Orfan, two Brooklyn-based emcees who are bringing new messages to the community through their art. The below continues with Blak Orfan speaks.
On performing at the International African Street Festival …
AYO: It was an honorable moment, a rare experience. I pay homage to the efforts of its purpose because I (myself) am an African woman and I love my culture. I am the daughter of Taiwo and Modupe Akinsanya, both born and raised inNigeria. As an artist it’s important to embrace my culture because its teachings are what made me who I am today. I grew up listening to Fela, Suny Ade and many other Nigerian artists as a child. I also used to sing a lot of spiritual Nigerian songs in church so performing at the festival was only natural, just in my own art form- hip-hop.
Our goal: to keep going …
BRANDII: We feel very privileged: so many legendary artists have graced the stage over the years and it just gives us more hope knowing that we, too, can be legendary if we keep going. It was a great feeling being so well-received by listeners who REALLY had an appreciation for our culture and lyricism. We left the festival feeling like we helped change the minds and hearts of people who thought women in hip-hop, and hip hop itself, had died a long time ago. Our goals are to continue to make music that uplifts our people and to start a revolution in the hip-hop community that brings the genre back to its essence.
Embracing the young, gifted and black …
And, with the youth in mind, we are planning to sponsor a child, an orphan inAfricawhere we invest in a child’s future in any possible way. As we evolve, we are always looking for new ways to make a positive impact in our culture.
To hear Ayo and Brandii, and obtain more information on their career and interests, visit: http://blakorfan.bandcamp.com