Standing on business is required.
Plus, Oakland show tomorrow + LA show info
Standing on business isn’t optional.
It isn’t something to take lightly, nor is it something to play with.
If the first quarter of 2024 has taught me anything, it’s that standing on business, though challenging, is essential.
Standing on business is required. We are required to do our part in holding ourselves and each other accountable. To our promises, our boundaries, in our actions and thoughts. In all situations, all moments, all the time.
This past week, I’ve found myself facing situations that required me to stand on business regardless the circumstances. And it (in some moments more than others) has been TOUGH.
“Standing on business” takes place in all aspects of our lives. When it comes to how we show up for ourselves, how we honor boundaries, how we honor that of others. Standing on business can be challenging, but it is required. There are moments where our comfort, our relationships, our ways of being are challenged as a result of standing on said business. The choice is yours, of course, but oftentimes these moments are inevitable (at some point).
I watched a video of Alok Vaid-Menon where they discussed the difference between seeing and witnessing.
“Seeing” is imposing your framework on someone else. While “witnessing” is being able to encounter someone's fundamental altering.
These days I’m witnessing more intentionally while observing moments when I find myself seeing instead. My favorite thing about learning lately has been perspective. The fact that understanding is linked to one’s willingness to hold space (or at least acknowledge) other perspectives. It’s valuable to be malleable, to know your core so you’re able to shift and mold as you learn and are exposed to more.
I continue to honor malleable essence within myself: in my words of confirmation daily, in my interactions with loved ones, in my creative practices. It’s all connected, it’s becoming more easeful. And I see that now, and the gratitude is abundant.
Another dimension to “standing on business” is standing on your morals and principles. When learning of the stories of our siblings in Palestine as they fight apartheid, I think about my why in music making. To remind folks that transformation and personal expansion by way of music (and art in general) is possible and within our reach.
I also believe that individuals, groups, and organizations are required to utilize their platforms to speak on injustice and harm inflicted. Apartheid is a form of injustice. My creative offerings have granted me with a platform of sorts. On minimum, standing on business includes standing on my principles and amplifying the demands and stories of our siblings — no matter where they’re at. Palestine, Congo, Sudan, in the US, in the UK, worldwide and beyond the physical. We don’t play with life on this side.
555 things to share
OAKLAND SHOW FRIDAY 🎶 For the girls, gays + theys who love R&B music, join me tomorrow at Nectar Social Club for an intimate sonic experience and after party. It’s my first time performing in the Bay (!!!!!), tickets still available now.
NEW LOS ANGELES SHOW 🎶 Coming home to LA for a FREE show hosted by The LINE Hotel. Keep the energy up while the sun goes down at Sundown Service, a monthly gathering celebrating music in Los Angeles. Grab a post-work drink and groove to a live acoustic set by me, plus DJ offerings by NAYGOD. RSVP here.
JOB + WORK AVAILABILITY 💼 Back in January I put out a call for freelance, project-based, and short-term work — I’m still seeking out opportunities! Currently open to music, project management, and event production gigs. Remote work preferred. Based in NYC, open to CA/PHL/ATL. Read my full call here, and check out my portfolio.
NOIR AT NITE 📸 We had a tiiiiime a few weeks ago at public records celebrating Black Futures Month with NOIR AT NITE! 🛸 👽 Check out how the night went here, and this sneak peek from an interview with SHEER (otw!)
witnessed by Nabilah Wirakusumah N*GGAS AIN’T SOBEAUTIFUL 🎼 Did it catch you off guard? That was the goal. Hah, watch what happens when me and Banswomb mashed up my song NAS with Musiq Soulchild’s sobeautiful. Warning: it’s saucy.
What lessons have you learned during 2024 Q1? Where do you want to see me perform next? Let me know in the comments!
As always, thank you for being here.
With care, Ny.