I am so thankful to know such an amazing being as Josh Milan.
REWIND TO 2007 - Miami during Winter Music Conference: I was introduced by a friend to him and when I tell you I was speechless...Chile! I was speechless. Such a humble being and such an amazing person to know. Oh, I remember WHAT party it was too! It was the Poji Records Party. Big ups to DJ OJI and the crew!
FORWARD to 2011: Josh is doing some major things with his record label, Honeycomb Music. He has signed artists, as well some releases as well. Check out this video of him doing his thing. Much <3 man!
Another amazing weekend to put in the book for Atlanta's music scene.
First and foremost: I have to give thanks to DJ Ausar for letting me contribute to the very first and of many events like this one. Without his vision, the event would not have taken off. Secondly, Carlos Mena with his storytelling of the many Orishas gave me a better insight into what spirits lie amongst us if we just look, listen and learn. My homegirl, Sabine. She ripped the decks this past weekend at Sunday School and gave me a dance that I shall remember. Oya is with you and I give thanks for your amazing energy. Charmaine Minniefield for being the behind-the-scenes woman who played a greater role in all of us coming together. Salah Ananse for letting Sunday School and Afrique Electrique become what it has become.
Everyone else as well for showing Love for this event. It is time. For too long we have been complacent and not truly recognizing the importance of Africa within music. Sure, we hear certain sounds and vocals. But do we know what it truly means?
On Friday night, Carlos Mena blessed us on the decks. For those who missed it: YOU REALLY missed out! Sekou had the agogo going and I unfortunately did not get any pics of Carlos doing his thing because I was dancing the whole night.
Here are some pictures I took:
On Saturday, I had the wonderful and beautiful opportunity to get some Afro-Cuban Orisha dance in, which was taught by Charisse Williams (BIG UPS!). Carlos started off the energy with some storytelling. Thank You oh so much for the wonderful vibes and energy. I felt at peace. At the end of the dance session, we had a 5th generation drummer from Nigeria come in and speak, then play for us all. How humbling is that?!
That night, Culoe De song came and tore it up if I must say so myself. When I heard 'Stop Jealousy', my energy soared and I was completely in another World. At the end of his set, he closed it out with 'The Bright Forest'. Chile, myself and Shana were done for! I lost my damn whistle in the process. Oh well! It was well worth it! Big ups to the Tambor Crew for showing us all what a REAL music event is. Pictures:
On Sunday, we were all blessed by the amazing DJ Sabine Blaizin from NYC. For those that don't know, she was also part of the dance group, Dance Warrior Project of NYC. She also plays alongside Ian Friday. Big ups mama! Now she has Oyasound, which is sure to be blazing soon. Many blessings to you mama!
Pictures:
Video of some of the awesomeness from this past weekend!
Thank You for the support and until the next outing...
As not only a music head, I seek knowledge on all levels. I am helping with this event and would be amazing to see all gain insight into what makes us FEEL, what GUIDES our feet and what ELEVATES the spirit. Atlanta's own, DJ Ausar created this concept, which coincides with the National Black Arts Festival. An event NOT to be missed!
Symposiums with DJs who deal with the ties of Africa (directly or indirectly through music), Dance Collectives focusing on Orisha folklore, Music guided by the drum and most of all, the energies surrounding it all.
DJs so far for the lineup: DJ Mafioso, DJ Ausar, Kemit, Stan Zeff, Carlos Mena, Salah Ananse and South Africa's own, Culoe De Song. A weekend not to be missed!
