DJ O Show: ‘The Story I Am Telling… Rarely Gets Told’
DJ O Show, also known as Orene Askew, has been in the music game for over 15 years. Her professional musical roots are in DJ-ing, but she recently entered the hip-hop game with the release of her first single. Askew’s passion and driving force in music comes from her being an Afro-Indigenous, Two-Spirit female, and former member of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation. In honor of Native American Heritage Month, learn more about Askew’s story with contributing writer Jaci Jedrych, including her influences, why she believes it’s important to acknowledge intersections, and the tragic event early in her career that gave her a renewed perspective on life.
Collective Musical Activism: Son La Lucha Uses Traditional Mexican Music as Catalyst for Social Justice
Combining a grassroots approach to social justice issues with a traditional style of Mexican music, Son La Lucha is a collective of activists who amass community gatherings and political protests through their music. The collective, which can span from 5-30 people at any given time, specializes in a specific regional style of folk music and dance called son jarocho. Learn more with contributing writer Charlie Maybee, including the distinct approach Son La Lucha uses to get their message across without releasing music for profit.
Brazilian Artist Rafael Pondé: ‘Don’t Try to Live According to What or Who Other People Believe that You Are’
Salvador, Brazil-born and Washington, D.C.-based artist Rafael Pondé is a visionary. Engaging in conversation with him feels like reconnecting with a dear friend. You leave inspired by his depth of perspective and sensitivity to the people and places that surround him. Learn more about Rafael Pondé’s fascinating journey with contributing writer Cynthia Gross, including what identity means to him as a Brazilian artist, the best piece of advice he’s been given, and the one thing he’s never shared about his great uncle, legendary composer Humberto Porto.
La Marvela Is a D.C. Miracle: Colombian Women Honor their Heritage in their Adopted Land
D.C. Colombian band La Marvela performs cumbia, a style of music that blends the influences of Indigenous, Spanish, and African culture—all of which melded in Latin America. Learn more about La Marvela’s journey with contributing writer Eric Althoff, including how the band members found each other in a different country and their thoughts on the importance of preserving one’s history.
