music | existabovethenoise

If I learned one thing from Barnard it is that feminism is just activated confidence. It is not a philosophy of how things should be, but a firm belief in what is true. Un-doubtful of one’s own capabilities and un-daunted by counter opinions, the women who embody my understanding of feminism are those for whom independence is just a way of life. In just the past few weeks, I have spoken with women who have stepped out on a limb to make public what they (and I) have known all along. They are not only great mothers, daughters, people, sisters, friends and partners, they are also great entrepreneurs – who can make a buck doing what they love. Here is just a smattering of the businesses that have been born from women I know.

Unaltered is a new t-shirt line that highlights the beauty of natural hair. With so many women afraid to un-perm, un-process, un-texturize, and un-do whatever they’ve done to their hair, Unaltered is for those girls who proudly whip their natural hair back and forth. The brand is the brain child of two young women from Newark, NJ (yes, they’re my relatives, but that’s not why I’m plugging them), who have triumphed over their own hair struggles. Being from a city where the trend is either locks or weave, you can imagine what it means to let your soul glo in a ‘fro and keep your idea of beauty in tact. Support the Unaltered movement.

Mother of Men is by far one of my favorite jewelry lines. Each piece is hand made and unique – ensuring that you will not be like all the other girls wearing the same overpriced Tiffany’s charm bracelet. Inspired by travel, design, and fashion, my friend, Nyakinyua Gill finally took her brand public by launching her collection online in 2012. This Spring/Summer collection of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets celebrates island and sea motifs, with intricate beadwork and warm weather colors. While Mother of Men pieces have reached the runway, they also accent day to day life just as well. There’s finally a jewelry line that caters to the whimsy and fanciful nature we all deserve to flaunt.

Gail’Stuff is not new. I have personally been using it since I lived in NYC, which feels like ages ago now. So, that’s what? – at least 5 years ago. But, Gail has just launched her online store, making my usual BK corner hand to hand transaction of cash for shea butter souffle with one of her 4 kids a thing of the past! I know her products and I love her story, Gail’Stuff is good for the skin and the soul.

Jams by Kim is a brand I haven’t tried yet. But, that’s not because I don’t want to. Pesky international security laws may cause my boxes of canned liquidy goodness to get sampled for explosives. So, alas, I have to encourage you to try what I have not. Kim Osterhoudt’s story is all too common: the recession hit so she got creative. Kim went back to what she knew best – canning like grandma used to do. Word on the street is that the carrot ginger jam (as my parents would say) is ‘the jam!’

Avida Rae has nothing for you to purchase just yet, but you could pine over her voice for free This young woman hails from the suburbs of Toronto and when I met her on Yonge street back in 2008, she knew she wanted to be a singer. All her hymning and humming has paid off. She’s been working hard on a single and has a sample on youtube. Give a listen.

I’m on a roll with these list posts, so why change a good thing? As some of you may have already heard, I’m planning an Afro-inspired Music party. This includes everything from reggaeton to kuduro. There will be a sign on the front door that says, “CAUTION: Only grown folks who aren’t afraid of doing grown folks things, while listening to grown folks music should enter this house, on this night, for this party.” This is not a joke.

Yesterday, I spent the day with 2 new friends, a hookah and Youtube. These two guys – Puerto Rican and Congolese – completely schooled ya’ girl on what needs to be played. That said, I have to represent for my Pud (Kimbella voice) Emily who I’m sure has already snarled under her breath “snitch you Black!” Translation: I am African American, straight Yankee, not from nowhere else but Africa somewhere and the U. S. of A. (represent!!). So, Gucci Mane, T-Pain, Lil’ Wayne and Wale already have a secured place in the playlist. And, since I’ve been listening to Mika Mendes’ MÁGICO (click for music) and Loony Johnson’s Kada Vez Mas Bonita (click for music) all week, the Zouk, Posada, Funana (click for music) are all covered. I didn’t say it’d be new music – just relevant music.

Nevertheless, the guys added a lot more vibes to the review. Just to give you a flavor of the artists who will be getting big spins – read ahead, my friends, and click often.

5 – P. Square are Jos, Nigeria’s Ying Yang twins, except these two are actually twins. Identical even! I’ve danced to ‘E No Easy’ (click for music video) many times, but never bothered to Shazam it. I fully plan to walk around as a drum major when this song comes on. I suspect that even if you’re listening to it while cleaning your living room on a Sunday afternoon, your duster will turn into a baton too.

4 – Fally Ipupa is from the Congo and I have no idea what he’s saying in this song (or any others for that matter). But, Jupka (click for music video) makes me want to move my waistline and shoulder blades. And this video is an added bonus, because it gives me permission to wear sunglasses all night AND to have a blonde front and center in all the party photos. SCORE!

3 – Chino & Nacho are Venezuelan heart throbs who don’t look one lick of brown. But, everybody knows that cornrows, merengue and Venezuela have deep African roots, so we will be playing Niña Bonita (click for music video) and I expect there to be screaming girls.

2 – Romeo Santos (formerly of the Bronx bachata band Aventura) and Spain’s flamenco guitarist Tomatito need no introduction. But, I had never heard of their collaboration on La Diabla/ Mi Santa (click for music video) until yesterday. It will be played. I will pretend I know how to dance bachata. There will be no horses.

1 – Kingston Jamaica’s own Konshens wins not just because all the skrippers, i mean, dancers can actually wukk up and whine in Gal A Bubble (click for music video). But because they don’t all have faces like manbeastwretches the way MANY “dancers” in reggae videos do. Yup, I said it! Just cause you hot from the neck down does NOT mean we need to be subjected to your face for 3-5 minutes. Though, I can’t help but wink up every time I hear this song, rest assured, I will NOT be wearing poom poom shorts at my party. Nor will there be a hose for outdoor, car washing purposes. Perhaps, inside.

Enter at your own risk!