Wikipedia and hundreds, if not thousands, of other notable online brands
have entered into an all-day shut-down-- a black-out-- in the name of
advocacy for consumer rights.
The shutdown
-- which started at midnight Tuesday ET -- is protesting two bills aimed
at cracking down on online piracy, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)
introduced in the House of Representatives, and the Senate version, the
Protect IP Act (PIPA).
Supporters of stronger intellectual property enforcement — such as those behind the proposed new Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect IP Act (PIPA) bills
in Congress — argue that online piracy is a huge problem, one which
costs the U.S. economy between $200 and $250 billion per year, and is
responsible for the loss of 750,000 American jobs.
These numbers seem truly
dire: a $250 billion per year loss would be almost $800 for every man,
woman, and child in America. And 750,000 jobs – that’s twice the number
of those employed in the entire motion picture industry in 2010.
The good news is that the numbers are wrong — as this post by the Cato Institute’s Julian Sanchez explains. In 2010, the Government Accountability Office released a report
noting that these figures “cannot be substantiated or traced back to an
underlying data source or methodology,” which is polite
government-speak for “these figures were made up out of thin air.” (From
the website Freakanomics)
READ HERE How SOPA will impact you as an artist selling things commercially online if the act is enacted.
In solidarity, the LiberatedMuse.com member network will be shutting down today as well, resuming normal operations on Thursday, Jan. 19.
This bill, if
passed, will make it dramatically difficult for independent artists to
use the internet in their best interest to garner fans, sell their music
and the like.
In the past few years, since her
last CD release in 2008, Janet Jackson has done a lot. For starters, she
brushed off her acting chops and breezed into thespian duties as lead in a
string of Tyler Perry movies. Add that to her new role as published
author—releasinga New York Times
bestseller, True You-- an intimate
look sharing her personal journey toward loving herself-- and you have one
successful sense of momentum already. But, the youngest Jackson hasn’t just
stopped there. At the end of 2011, there she was-- the new spokesperson for the
weigh t loss company Nutrisystem while still in the midst of her national tour
performing her number one hits. With this flurry of activity, are we at all
surprised that she has planned a new untitled-yet album drop rumored to be released
sometime this summer? We’re not. Here’s hoping that Janet brings us something
fresh yet reminiscent of what we’ve always loved about her—sweet, touching
ballads and upbeat dance grooves. But, seriously, if she flips it on us and
brings us something totally different, it’s her right. At 46, Janet is still
wowing us with her talent and has already proven herself to be an iconic
entertainer, blazing the trails for numerous artists who have unmistakably been
influenced by her style.
Brandy
Brandy has had a some
hits and misses in recent years and, for a while, it looked like her career may
have come to an early end. However, overcoming numerous challenges—from
baby-daddy drama and a fatal car accident to ensuing legal issues and reality
show doldrums, Brandy seems to have regained her mojo and surrounded herself
with those able to push her towards what we love to see her do—music. It is
exciting to learn that after signing with RCA in 2011, Brandy is slated to drop
her sixth album this Spring. Her last CD, Human,
was released in 2008, to low fanfare, so here’s hoping her new project marks
the come-back for this multi-talented artist who has already re-ignited her
acting career simultaneously, recently becoming part of the cast of the BET
series “The Game”.
Madonna
Recently losing to Rihanna her top title of fastest solo
act to earn twenty top ten hits while having Lady Gaga almost instantaneously cop her image and target audience,
Madonna has been left with a lot of work to do to stay relevant in today’s
digital world. Far from the 80’s music industry she started in, singing
blue-eyed soul tunes like “Borderline” and “Holiday”, or the 90’s that marked
the heyday of her pop career, Madonna will drop new music this year where album
sales are unforgiving to artists who aren’t everywhere every second. But, really,
is anyone worried? Madonna is the Queen of Reinvention and there is no surprise
that it has been rumored that her new CD will be an eclectic mix of hip-hop,
soul, dance and rock, compared by some to the singer Kelis' last drop Acapella.
Madonna’s single “Gimme All Your Love” off of the unreleased upcoming album was
leaked last year to the chagrin of the Madonna camp, but fans of 80’s pop are
giving it thumbs-up with its pumping electronic beats and almost-girly vocals.
With the buzz indicating that the record will be next level, you can’t help but
be curious to see what’s in store. Her CD is slated for a February 2012 drop.
D’Angelo
When an 8 year-old demo of D’Angelo’s cover of
the Soundgarden song “Black Hole Sun” circulated this past month, fans of the
neo-soul innovator went wild attempting to snag a download of the muffled demo.
The rumor is that he will be dropping new music this year, an album tentatively
called James River. But, the rumor
mill said the same thing in 2010 and in 2011. Will this be the year our dreams
will come true and we will get new music from this elusive talent who hasn’t
dropped anything new in the last twelve years since his classic album Voodoo. We’ll see. Battling more than a
decade of challenges—from arrests to legal issues, we are glad to see some
concrete evidence that D’Angelo, at long last, will be coming back to the
forefront.
Janelle Monae
What were you doing when you
found out about Janelle Monae? Chances are, her appearance and subsequent
performance blew your mind. Her image defies convention. Her 2010 release ArchAndroid was epic. Putting a new spin
on the idea of a concept album, Janelle Monae brought flavor and flair to the
music scene that hadn’t been rejuvenated by anyone so innovative since Michael
Jackson gave us his moonwalk and Thriller
in the 80’s. Janelle Monae and her signature pompadour, signed by Sean
“P.Diddy” Combs, was everywhere in 2010—making late night talk show rounds and
touring tirelessly to promote her full-length masterpiece. And then, in 2011,
the momentum seemed to slacken a bit and before mid-year, we were scratching
our heads wondering, “Where is Janelle?” It is very obvious when this
pint-sized tuxedo-garbed powerhouse is missing from the scene, even when her
popular song “Tightrope” was snagged by Target to promote their wares. But, no
worries. She’s been touring relentlessly, even pausing to perform for the
President this past Fall. So, how has she found time to pause and record music
for her follow-up? Who knows, but let’s keep fingers crossed that it’s the real
deal. We can’t get enough of this new star.
Liberated Muse is pleased to announce that founder Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman has been recognized by The Prince George's County Social
Innovation Fund inaugural ‘Forty UNDER 40 -Prince George's County 2012’
list. The list recognizes county residents who have made exceptional
contributions in Arts and Humanities, Business, Education, Health and
Fitness, Public Service, and Science. Khadijah was recognized for her
work in the Arts and Humanities.
Khadijah Ali-Coleman, a
performance artist, creativity coach, and playwright is founder of the
online space LiberatedMuse.com that boasts a membership of over 700
members from across the world. Since 2008, Liberated Muse, has produced
numerous events, including the annual Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest,
Khadijah’s play “Running: AMOK” which debuted in the 5th annual Capital Fringe Fest, and the book Liberated Muse Volume I: How I Freed My Soul. Her
latest theatrical production “In Her Words”, highlights the art and
activism of artists Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Zora Neale
Hurston and Lucille Clifton, sponsored by the DC Public Library system.
Khadijah
is Associate Director of the arts-based nonprofit One Common Unity and
adjunct faculty in the Communication Studies & Theater department at
Northern Virginia Community College.
About the Forty UNDER 40 Award
Launched in September of this year, nominations were widely
accepted from individuals and organizations from throughout the region. A
review panel, consisting of representatives from the Community
Foundation for Prince George’s County, EnVision Prince George’s, and the
Human Services Coalition of Prince George’s County carefully reviewed
each nomination in order to select the impressive cohort which includes
PG County School Board member Edward Burroughs III, Lil So So founder
Risikat Odeyi, and PG County Literacy Council Executive Director Taneika Taylor Tukan.
The Awardees were assessed based on character, dedication to given
field, risk-taking and innovation, and contributions to Prince George’s
County and the broader community. You can find The List at http://innovateprincegeorges.org/forty-under-40-prince-georges/.
An
Awards Reception will be held on January31, 2012 at The Howard Zinn
Room – Busboys and Poets, Hyattsville, Maryland. Tickets can be
purchased at www.fortyunderforty.eventbrite.com.
For
more information or to inquire about event sponsorship and
advertisement opportunities, contact the Prince George's County
Innovation Fund at fortyunderforty@innovateprincegeorges.org or on 301-996-0792.
So, 2011 brought us some nice albums that we can't leave this year without mentioning. Liberated Muse began with the intent of showcasing artistry not signed to big labels and it is only right that we showcase some of our top drops that not only showcase top-notch talent but the triumph of artistry over big-money and the PR machine. You may not have heard about all of the acts listed, but that should be an incentive to realize that real music-- great music-- may not necessarily be readily accessible on your radio, but that does not mean you have to look far for it. Kudos to places like SoulBounce.com, SoulTracks.com, SoulTrain.com, and other online spaces that make it easy to hear about artists who may fall under the mainstream radar. Remember, it's up to you to find music worthy of your money and your attention!
Here are some our picks, with videos showcasing a tune from the selected album. Your favorite indie album of 2011 not on the list? Add yours in the comments section below.
Little Dragon- Ritual Union
Little Dragon are more than just a band with a really dope name. They take music next level while always bringing to mind your favorite artist. A perfect blend of a little bit of Prince, a little bit of Rick, a little bit of quirk and a lot of spunk, their 2011 drop Ritual Union took them all over the world and to television screens near you. Peep this 2011 appearance on NBC where they sound even better live. If you haven't checked them out before, let this be your incentive.
Zo! is part of the musical clique that includes some of the hottest indie soul acts out right now-- from The Foreign Exchange and Yahzarah to angel-voiced Sy Smith. On his 2011 release ...just visiting three, the Detroit-born instrumentalist produces some hot tracks with his buddies, including this Barry White-remake that Anthony David lends his rich vocals to. This CD is one of the best of 2011 for its phenomenal cast of characters and its melodic renderings from the beginning to the end. A must-add to any collection.
Eric Roberson- Mr. Nice Guy
Most likely the most popular indie soul artist out there, Eric Roberson did not disappoint his fans with his latest drop. Mr. Nice Guy follows his very popular Music Fan First with the same formula that works for Mr. Indie-himself every time-- honest lyrics, interesting arrangements and signature vocals.
Deborah Bond- Madam Palindrome
With a unique concept and impeccable music assortment, Madam Palindrome is a win from the beginning to the end. Couple that with a website that maintains the eclectic theme, this album is an experience that you won't regret engaging in. The first single "You Are the One" is our favorite of the year.
Rahsaan Patterson- Bleuphoria
What makes Rahsaan Patterson such a remarkable indie artist is his longevity. He has been in the music game for a while, had contact with mainstream success as an artist and actor and still carved a niche for himself once his affiliation with a major label waned. His latest offering Bleuphoria is jammed-packed with special guest appearances, but even those aren't the reason to pick this blickie up. This CD wins solely because of Patterson who engages in vocal gymnastics with ease, class and panache.
Maimouna Yousssef- The Blooming
It's like we are writing about the awesomenss of Maimouna Youssef every week, but, for real, this lady is all that and then some. If you haven't picked up The Blooming yet, seriously, something has to be wrong with you.
Gloria Ry'ann- Just Glow
Gloria Ry'ann's voice is so angelically melodic that you instantly fall in love with this chanteuse. Her EP finally dropped in 2011 and we are anxiously awaiting videos from the EP to appear, particularly for some of the EP's highlights like the sexy "Wait a Minute" and the upbeat "Gravity". Here is a cover of vocal idol Minnie Ripperton's "Inside My Love".
Dionne- Living in the Music
When Deedee Kirby joined the Liberated Muse network in 2009, she was an emerging artist who was still defining her sound. Fast forward almost three years later, and she has dropped the nickname and last name and uses simply her first name Dionne. She has found her musical element, a new indie label home and re-released her first LP, re-packaged as Living in the Music. Melodic, uplifting and inspiring, this CD is classic, something you will be listening to years from now
.
Gods'illa- CPR BlendTape hosted by Erykah Badu
Gods'illa has to be one of the hardest hip-hop acts, for, less than a year after dropping a debut CD, they release the CPR BlendTape with the support of no other than the ever-popular Erykah Badu. The DC-based trio of brothers have created a brand with their music that has spilled into the cultural landscape of their home city, from their popular weekly open mic on the U Street corridor to their clothing line and events-- including bowling parties and cook-outs. A brand-- a movement, Gods'illa truly made 2011 a major win and this mix tape was among their top successes.
Special guests on this project range from Eric Roberson, and South African pop stars
Freshly Ground, to Ghanian-American MC Blitz The Ambassador and Polish MC
John Banzaï.
With all of the artists out there, who do you know who to watch out for in 2012?
Well, we thought about it and took some things into consideration:
Who had a stellar 2011 that was only a start to a career that is sure to promise longevity?
Who has been absent from the spotlight for a while (after a whirlwind 2010 and before) but we know they have been working on some goodies that they are planning to drop in 2012?
Who are some artists who have unparalleled talent that is sure to continue to mesmerize us in the coming year?
All of the artists below fall into at least one category or all of the above.
Some of the folks may be names you recognize as members of our network or artists who have performed in some of our past events, including the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest or theatrical productions. Some of the names you may recognize by their association with more mainstream acts that are either now defunct or still alive and kicking. Whatever the case may be, be sure to remember that you heard here first that these are some names to keep your ears and eyes peeled for in the coming year. For, if their talent is any indication of how successful their coming year will be, it is looking bright indeed.
Jesse
Boykins III—Bending the Envelope
Add in a dash of trip hop, rock and acid jazz, stir and serve and
you have yourself one Jesse Boykins III.
Having perfect silken vocals was not unique enough for this New
York-native. He has amassed a following that has taken to his eclectic style
that is neither simply R & B nor Neo-Soul, bending the envelope into a
whole new direction. In 2011, he delighted fans with an abundance of free
downloads of his originals and remixes of his originals, including the sexy “High
Demand”. Here’s hoping he keeps the innovation alive and kicking and keeps
sharing the love in the form of more, more, music!
Jean
Baylor—Leading the Pack
Jean Baylor does not have to rely on her association with the 90’s
group Zhane to convince folks that she is the real deal. She is leading the
pack of indie artists moving from independent local attention to underground
super stardom.This review of her recent Christmas album exemplifies her ability
to “get it” as an artist and to always stay true to her musical integrity.
Partnering now with her husband Marcus Baylor, Jean will be dropping her sophomore
album in 2012, giving her fans what they have been waiting for. Read this interview with her on SoulTrain.com to learn more about what she’s been up to
and what she has in store.
Wayna—Intersection
of Retro and Contemporary
In 2009 when Ethiopian-born Wayna earned a GRAMMY
nomination for her track “Lovin’ You”, inspired by the Minnie Ripperton song of
the same name, independent artists around the globe were inspired by the attention
Wayna attracted and her personal testimony of choosing her music over a
successful career as a White House correspondent. With her classic sound,
reminiscent of Billie Holiday with a contemporary flavor (think Fantasia),Wayna
is the intersection of retro and contemporary. Her story embodies the vision of
many indie artists of moving beyond the radar of local audiences and gaining an
opportunity to gain some mainstream shine. After spending most of 2010
transitioning into her new role as mom to a newborn, in 2011 Wayna updated fans
via Twitter of her return to the studio and the intention of dropping new music
in 2012. With GRAMMY attention already under her belt, this indie artist has
only up to go when she returns to the scene, and we can’t wait!
Fashion icon beauty and whirring aural sounds stamp the brand that
is Carolyn Malachi. This DC-based songstress has taken off this past year after
her unexpected GRAMMY nomination for her song “Orion”. You name it, she’s done
it. From being the spokesperson for a campaign to stop driving and texting, to
being featured on Microsoft Windows Media Guide, Carolyn is taking her music
and message onward and upward. Gaining
much attention for her single and video “Beautiful Dreamer”, 2012 will surely
be an amazing journey for this songstress who is already working on a new project.
Maimouna
Youssef—Consciously Creative
Maimouna Youssef is a multi-talented singer/mc who has claimed her
destiny as an innovator. She blazed through 2010 – first dropping an EP, then a
full-length album –The Blooming—which resulted in a multi-city listening party
tour and then a single of her hit “I Got a Man”. To say the least, this
Baltimore-native has been busy. Add this
past year’s success to her resume which already includes work with The Roots,
and other of hip-hop’s dopest and most illest and there is no doubt that
Maimouna Youssef’s big news that she plans to release on Jan. 1 will promise to
continue her trend of dropping all that is consciously creative and fresh.
Kenny Wesley--On the Radar
In 2011, Kenny Wesley made it clear that he was here to stay. Whether he was headlining a sold-out Luther Vandross tribute show at the famous Blues Alley or opening for mainstream celebs at concert halls, Kenny Wesley was shining his light, attracting new fans old and young. Oozing with mild-mannered charm and a warm stage presence that pulls you in, Kenny Wesley is poised for major super stardom. As we eagerly anticipate a 2012 drop of a new album, he has teased our senses with his sporadic drops of free downloads, from his recent Christmas offering to his tender rendering of a Michael Jackson classic. Kenny Wesley is on our radar, not dropping off anytime soon.
Teisha Marie--Only Gets Better
Thoughtful lyrics, melodic arrangements and a stunning vocal tone describe the sound that is Teisha Marie. Using 2011 to self-produce her sophmore release, Teisha has laid low during the year, with the intention of dropping her new work once it's baked perfectly. The teacher-by-day indie singer is sure to be pushing boundaries with her upcoming drop, promising in a recent interview that she is trying new things. But, would we expect any less? Her debut album, Addicted to Life, three years ago delivered the goods on quality of sound and content and we are sure it will only get better.
Quineice--Doing it Big & Fabulous
R & B singer J Holiday's sister Quineice has more than a famous brother to her credit. With soulful vocals and a professional resume that has included everything from theater acting to songwriting, this songstress has been on watch since 2009 when she first started talking about dropping a new album. Whether she's being compared to fellow petite singer Stephanie Mills or being cheeky on covers such as her recent Christmas cover of "Santa Baby", Quineice is always doing it big and doing it fabulous. As she demonstrates when she opens her mouth to sing, good things usually come in small packages. Enjoy below her rendition of the Marvin Gaye classic "Mercy, Mercy, Me". Visit her on Reverbnation HERE.
The Bangladesh Project-- Sonic Superiority
What started as a motley gathering of musicians and producers quickly manifested into a band of eclectic groovers headed by musician/MC Bangla-El, becoming the outfit known as the Bangladesh Project. Releasing their first EP in 2011, this tireless Baltimore-based band--performing for everything from a crowd of four to a sold-out club of hundreds-- also went on to become the 2011 winner of the Baltimore Crown Awardfor Best Band. The grind hasn't stopped. Creating music of sonic superiority and consciousness (peep their cut, "The Learner" about No Child Left Behind") this band is sure to expand outside of the confines of their local scene and be touring soon in a club near you, wherever you may be.
Check out below their cover of Jimi Hendrix' "Hey Joe".
While this list of women highlights some of the best people
to follow on Twitter, it should be said that their presence in social media
extends outside of the confines of 140 characters and a link. Whether they are
making you laugh out loud over hilarious tweets about pop culture or hipping
you to the newest new media available for the tech guru or novice alike, these
women are using their influence to engage, connect and inspire. As you read more about each woman, keep in
mind that it’s not about the number of followers they may have on Twitter or
the “likes” they may have on their Facebook page. Their mention on this list
has everything to do with how they have chosen to use their influence and
recognizing the value they add to the cyber world. What makes this list
particularly compelling is that all of these women, while vastly skilled in
their use of social media, are artists as well, excelling in an artistic realm,
from literary art to the visual. We here at Liberated Muse love that fact most of all!
So check out our list, add your feedback and be sure to check these women out as you get ready for 2012 to make its entrance.
Whether you are trying to get new traffic to your site, or
learn what new tech tools are available as you try to integrate your business
into social media, Tinu Abayomi-Paul is the one to follow. Funny, approachable
and encouraging, she is not at all what you would expect from someone who is at
the top of the list when it comes to online tech gurus. This internet dyanamo
has over 15 years of experience on the net and is one of the leading experts in
SEO in the country. Editor at Women Grow Business and founder of Free Traffic
Tips, Tinu is one of the innovators on the web who is a first-class example of
longevity in the world of social media. While at the top of her game in social
media, Tinu is also a renowned poet and creative writer, a contributor to the
Def Poetry Jam book Bum Rush the Page.
Shireen Mitchell is the maven of social media and tech, in
the game since the game started. A web designer who has used her art to extend
outside of the box, she knows what’s hot, what’s not and what is not even worth
mentioning. Her tweets are ever-upbeat, informative and always connected to the
tech and social world, sharing news beneficial to the least savvy onliner to the tech addict alike. The original
creator of the term “web goddess”, Shireen is a dynamic speaker, winner of
numerous awards that recognize her online awesomeness and a well-rounded organizerparticipating
in the producing of various tech events including the Digital Community, Techno
Rodeo, Feminism 2.0, Shes Geeky, TechAdventure DC, Nonprofit 2.0, Computers, Freedom and Privacy,
Gov20 Expo, TEDx Potomac and more.
At the point where arts, culture and intellect meet, there
is dream Hampton. If she’s not one of the most retweeted people on Twitter, she
is probably pretty close. Her incredible insight, forthright statements and six
degrees or less of separation from some of the most high-profile folks we know
make Dream one of the most compelling follows on Twitter. A prolific writer and
filmmaker, she co-authored the unreleased Black Bookwith
Shawn Jay-Z Carter and collaborated with him on Decoded (November, 2010, Spigel
and Grau.) She's co-authoring Kamal "Q Tip" Fareed's memoir, Industry
Rules, to be published by Random House .
Vocalist, college professor and anthropologist Kyra
Gaunt-Palmer pushes the thinking envelope, transforming your social media
experience into an exploration of concepts, ideas and experiences. She is not
hesitant to present content that pushes the boundary you may have constructed
between the superficial and the authentic. Her tweets, blog posts and Facebook
content all revolve around thought—encouraging you to use your brain, have an
opinion and share. From religion and parenting to the arts and academia, Kyra
is a rich resource of information and an approachable person to engage with
online. She trains groups in the anthropology of listening and is a 2009 TED Fellow.
Phenomenal visual artist Regina Holliday has used the tragic
death of her husband as a platform to advocate for the rights of citizens to
have access to their medical records. Whether she is creating murals on the
backs of jackets and creating a walking mural or tweeting the latest news on
health advocacy issues, Regina is heavily involved in changing the world and
using her art and her online presence as her springboard. A dynamic speaker as
well, Regina is a shining example of the intersection of arts, social media and
politics and how its effective application can truly transform minds and
policy.
Emerging writer Tracy Chiles
McGhee has used her own interest in bettering the world as an impetus to create
her own nonprofit organization, Womanifesting, to encourage the philanthropy
and dream imagining of other women around her. In its short existence,
Womanifesting already boasts a strong online presence on Twitter and Facebook,
encouraging women through thoughtful and inspiring messaging to dream big and
recognize their divine power. In addition to Womanifesting, Tracy's blog "Passionate Self by Tracy" provides a place of respite and inspiration as she shares her path as a published writer, attorney, and mom.
A humorist with a twist of
satire and savvy, Luvvie has virtually created her own brand of incredible that
has snagged thousands of readers who tune-in everyday to read about what is in
Luvvie’s head. A true artistic word-smith, Luvvie’s artistry also extends into
the realm of fashion and web design as she helms brands in both areas in
addition to her highly popular blog “Awesomely Luvvie”. On her blog, she speaks
to everything under the sun—from the comical antics of reality stars to the
horrendous outputs of some of our biggest celebrities. Recently selected as a blogger for the Academy
Awards, Luvvie’s tweets are some of the funniest ones you’ll read in any given
minute, so be sure to read with caution and hopefully with no food in your
mouth, for you will surely be laughing out loud.
Formerly known as Sista Toldja,
Jamilah Lenieux is a smart and sassy writer who puts into perspective the
thoughts of many new millenials as they navigate the world and beyond. The
recipient of many awards for her compelling blog and Twitter feed, Jamilah, the
new content editor for Ebony.com has been featured on radio shows and in
articles for her insight on issues ranging from relationships to identity.
Always in the middle of what is hot on Twitter, Dr. Goddess
is one of the most engaged social media users on the web. Whether she is
promoting her appearances as an actress and speaker or schooling an
ill-informed reality show guest that planking is not a slavery term, Dr.
Goddess does it with a certain panache that very few can emulate. An emerging
social media guru and a highly educated culture critic, Dr. Goddess has created
an online community with her brand, connecting people to the insightful and the
controversial and making sense of it all.
Poetry seeps from the pores of Bassey Ikpi. A world-renowned performance poetry artist
and a mental health advocate who has amassed a large following in the past few
years as she courageously shares her personal struggles with depression, Bassey
has found a niche in social media that fits perfectly with her artistic spirit
and her humorous shares about culture, parenting and relationships. Her most recent creation is The Siwe Project, a global non-profit with the goal widening the public dialogue regarding the lived
experiences of people of African Descent with mental illness. A Def
Poetry Jam poet, Bassey is all over the web—whether you are watching her
seemingly effortless talent on a YouTube video, reading her posts on sites like
Huffington Posts or reading her often hilarious Twitter feed, you are sure to
fall in love with Bassey Ikpi’s brand of life that is a mix of quirky and
incredible.
