My Dignity is Invaluable
Reflections, show announcements, and other tings.
Hey sibs, may all be well on your side of the world.
It’s been a little over a month since I returned to LA living. And lemme tell ya, the last 30-ish days have been a doozy to say the least.
From reuniting with old connections, to job transitions, to unexpected show cancellations, to bursts of creativity, to purging my entire belly for a good week — it’s been an interesting process settling back in the hometown. Recently, I’ve found myself nostalgically reflecting on past versions/iterations of being that I once possessed in this place. My cancer rising loves to reflect and look at the past, but this has felt different.
I’ll be honest. At first it was giving “how could I have moved different?” Very much was feeling like I hopped to the “wrong” timeline by mistake. Why was I experiencing hardship — over, and over, and over again? It was giving slap-boxing, but this time the universe vs. my cheek.
But, I’ve learned to sit and reflect when shit feels crazy. Talk to a friend, take a walk, create something for the fun of it. I’m grateful for those in my life who’ve held me and reminded me of the tools readily available to me.
In a reading I received this past weekend, a message came through that “the beauty of showing up in the world and feeling reflected in how people respond to you, means that on an existential level, you do know who you are.”
Even now, I’m still sitting with that message.
That was tea.
Afterwards instead of feeling like I need to do more or be different, I took time to sit with what lessons and blessings have graced my path since leaving LA, as well as what took place prior to my previous departure. Lists are my friend for this reason. They help keep track of the facts, no frills required.
The reality is, my dignity is invaluable.
Whether or not I receive 10,000 no’s, or if someone thinks they can block a blessing from me — my shit is on lock. The quality of the work I create, the intentionality behind every action and move made, the time and study consistently put into my craft. Ain’t no person or thing that can eradicate me.
The work speaks for itself. The ones who get it, do. And will continue to make themselves known.
It doesn’t matter who thinks they can replicate and manipulate, the reality is that that just ain’t the reality.
Plus my lineage is GOATED, so good luck with that.
The last few weeks were a purge. A release. A reset. A regroup. A pause and reimagining of what is and is not giving. A reminder that we really create the world we want to see, brick by brick, intention by intention. That we are accountable for how the chips fall, whether or not we choose acknowledge that fact. A new era, a new dimension is loading.
It’s time for another round of EVOLVE or REPEAT 🔁
Alright before I go, I have a few fun tings to share!
555 Thangs to Share
FREE LA SHOW 🎤 In honor of the 1 year anniversary of the R+B EP, join me this Friday at The Line LA for For Those Who Love R&B. Presented by NOIR AT NITE, the nite features live performances by myself and Tonii, with curated sounds by Chinua. RSVP is free — come celebrate with me!
NEW WEBSITE UPDATES 💻 Recently I updated my website to include my portfolio and a deeper breakdown of my offerings. Photos are by the iconic AnAkA (book her). Check it out here.
BAY AREA SHOW 🎤 Told y’all I’d be back and one thing about me, I’m a person of my word. Honored to be performing 11/15 at the 3rd episode of SEEN — a Black queer party in SF centering music from all across the Black lineage. I heard a remix of mine will be dropping 👀 Dis a late night jawn, I promise I’ll be taking a 4 hr nap in advance. Tickets here!
RECOMMEND ME FOR A GIG 💰 I am open and available to music-related and event production work opportunities. Book me to sing, DJ, invite me to a session, throw my name in the hat for that live music events freelance role at your job. Check out my full skillset here, let’s build together!
SPOOKY SZN FAVES 👻 Here’s a few spooky szn watches I’ve enjoyed thus far: Mr. Crockett, House of Spoils, HYSTERIA!, The Wasp, It’s What’s Inside, I Saw the TV Glow, Parallel, Barbarians.
My stomach just rumbled, that’s my cue to log off. So looking forward to connecting with more of y’all offline, see you so soon.
With care,
NYALLAH