@nailakeletamae.bsky.social
Artist, scholar, Principal Investigator of Black And Free, Associate Prof, University of Waterloo.
https://linktr.ee/nailakeletamae
https://linktr.ee/nailakeletamae
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Hi everyone, I’m Naila! I’m excited to introduce myself and my work. In 2017, I realized I wanted to dedicate my life to thinking about Blackness and freedom—and that’s how my project, Black And Free, began. Looking forward to sharing the insights and initiatives from this 5-yr artistic experience!
After being in the studio again, I was feeling deeply grateful that I was able to make music again. As I was making tweaks, I rewrote the lyrics to “I will be grateful for today” so that it could be said as a hope, a declaration and a prayer.
October 31, 2025 at 4:06 PM
After being in the studio again, I was feeling deeply grateful that I was able to make music again. As I was making tweaks, I rewrote the lyrics to “I will be grateful for today” so that it could be said as a hope, a declaration and a prayer.
While researching Black designers, my undergraduate research assistants came across the award-winning deisgn work of Lani Adeoye. She has a specialization in African-based interior architecture and is the founder of Studio Lanie!
October 29, 2025 at 4:07 PM
While researching Black designers, my undergraduate research assistants came across the award-winning deisgn work of Lani Adeoye. She has a specialization in African-based interior architecture and is the founder of Studio Lanie!
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines gained its independence from the United Kingdom on October 27th, 1975.
October 27, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines gained its independence from the United Kingdom on October 27th, 1975.
I was very tired at the airport that evening and so energized at the same time. The attentiveness required while you're in studio, the amount of decisions that need to be made quickly. I felt and feel good about these songs and I hope that they connect with you. Please search Naila Grateful Album
October 24, 2025 at 4:09 PM
I was very tired at the airport that evening and so energized at the same time. The attentiveness required while you're in studio, the amount of decisions that need to be made quickly. I felt and feel good about these songs and I hope that they connect with you. Please search Naila Grateful Album
Professor Ronald Cummings examines "how hegemonic masculinity is situated in relation to other masculinities and in particular how it is related, yet often defined in contrast to, female masculinities."
October 22, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Professor Ronald Cummings examines "how hegemonic masculinity is situated in relation to other masculinities and in particular how it is related, yet often defined in contrast to, female masculinities."
In this quote, Ann Dills positions dance as a type of communicative language and embodied knowledge that is critical in all ways of being and knowing. There are moments for me when dance – be it a party or in my home has always felt like freedom.
October 20, 2025 at 4:17 PM
In this quote, Ann Dills positions dance as a type of communicative language and embodied knowledge that is critical in all ways of being and knowing. There are moments for me when dance – be it a party or in my home has always felt like freedom.
“Yes, we will fail, but we will rise, again". Through these reflections, it has inspired me to compose ABCD as a reminder to myself that I will always rise up, and that it is possible for everyone.
October 17, 2025 at 4:06 PM
“Yes, we will fail, but we will rise, again". Through these reflections, it has inspired me to compose ABCD as a reminder to myself that I will always rise up, and that it is possible for everyone.
It's been a little over a year since the final Black and Free exhibit with THEMUSEUM! Sharing some of the details of two of my pieces, "Abundance" and "Sequins" that inspired by a Jamaican proverb, “Everything you need is right here.”
October 15, 2025 at 4:05 PM
It's been a little over a year since the final Black and Free exhibit with THEMUSEUM! Sharing some of the details of two of my pieces, "Abundance" and "Sequins" that inspired by a Jamaican proverb, “Everything you need is right here.”
Film director, tattoo artist, and graphic novelist James Spooner’s 2003 documentary film Afro-Punk explores the lives of four Black Americans who were dedicated to the lifestyle of Punk rock. My PhD research assistants found his film while researching the Afropunk Festival that I went to in 2019.
October 13, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Film director, tattoo artist, and graphic novelist James Spooner’s 2003 documentary film Afro-Punk explores the lives of four Black Americans who were dedicated to the lifestyle of Punk rock. My PhD research assistants found his film while researching the Afropunk Festival that I went to in 2019.
Everybody starts somewhere — here's the story of the first instrument that sparked it all 🎶✨
#BlackAndFree #Music #Black #Artist #Artspace #Musicforlife #Musicmaker #Musicislove #MyFirstInstrument #MusicJourney #StartSomewhere #MusicianLife #ThrowbackVibes
#BlackAndFree #Music #Black #Artist #Artspace #Musicforlife #Musicmaker #Musicislove #MyFirstInstrument #MusicJourney #StartSomewhere #MusicianLife #ThrowbackVibes
October 10, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Everybody starts somewhere — here's the story of the first instrument that sparked it all 🎶✨
#BlackAndFree #Music #Black #Artist #Artspace #Musicforlife #Musicmaker #Musicislove #MyFirstInstrument #MusicJourney #StartSomewhere #MusicianLife #ThrowbackVibes
#BlackAndFree #Music #Black #Artist #Artspace #Musicforlife #Musicmaker #Musicislove #MyFirstInstrument #MusicJourney #StartSomewhere #MusicianLife #ThrowbackVibes
The international contemporary art exhibition known as the Art Biennale, is held biannually in Venice, Italy. I attended the 2024 Biennale that was themed "Foreigners Everywhere", and that yielded a record number of African countries presenting, with 11 African pavilions.
October 8, 2025 at 4:04 PM
The international contemporary art exhibition known as the Art Biennale, is held biannually in Venice, Italy. I attended the 2024 Biennale that was themed "Foreigners Everywhere", and that yielded a record number of African countries presenting, with 11 African pavilions.
Sharing this from my undergraduate research assistants' work: Quentin VerCetty is a dynamic visual storyteller whose Afrofuturistic artistry centers the African experience through powerful sculptures and murals. Drawing from the rich traditions of the African diaspora.
October 6, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Sharing this from my undergraduate research assistants' work: Quentin VerCetty is a dynamic visual storyteller whose Afrofuturistic artistry centers the African experience through powerful sculptures and murals. Drawing from the rich traditions of the African diaspora.
Throwing it back to this awesome studio experience with producer John Anthony Gagnon Robinette and recording engineer Luc Tellier. The feeling in the studio last year was unforgettable. I'm still processing the fact that my album is playing across Canada and has charted at more than one station.
October 3, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Throwing it back to this awesome studio experience with producer John Anthony Gagnon Robinette and recording engineer Luc Tellier. The feeling in the studio last year was unforgettable. I'm still processing the fact that my album is playing across Canada and has charted at more than one station.
Celebrating Nigeria's Independence Day! Nigeria gained its independence from the United Kingdom on October 1st, 1960. Though English is the official language, Nigeria boasts much linguistic diversity with hundreds of languages spoken by different ethnic groups.
October 1, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Celebrating Nigeria's Independence Day! Nigeria gained its independence from the United Kingdom on October 1st, 1960. Though English is the official language, Nigeria boasts much linguistic diversity with hundreds of languages spoken by different ethnic groups.
On this day a couple of years ago, my graduate and undergraduate research assistants Shanique Mothersill and Cristina Everett, organized a day of programming that led youth participants from the community organization The EDGE on a walking tour of the University of Waterloo.
September 29, 2025 at 4:04 PM
On this day a couple of years ago, my graduate and undergraduate research assistants Shanique Mothersill and Cristina Everett, organized a day of programming that led youth participants from the community organization The EDGE on a walking tour of the University of Waterloo.
Meet Jahsun, drummer extrodinaire! He's played on all four of my albums over the past 20+ years. Grateful for his ability to bring the right flourishes, styles and expertise to all of the music we've made. Please search Naila Grateful Album wherever you listen to music and take a listen.
September 26, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Meet Jahsun, drummer extrodinaire! He's played on all four of my albums over the past 20+ years. Grateful for his ability to bring the right flourishes, styles and expertise to all of the music we've made. Please search Naila Grateful Album wherever you listen to music and take a listen.
Highlighting Jewelle and Meghan for “The Trials and Triumphs of a Tar Baby”, their piece in the special issue of Canadian Theatre Review I co-edited. Their work tells the story of two Black women bounded by memory, pain, and the search for healing. #Writers #Authors #Blackademia #BlackAndFree
September 24, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Highlighting Jewelle and Meghan for “The Trials and Triumphs of a Tar Baby”, their piece in the special issue of Canadian Theatre Review I co-edited. Their work tells the story of two Black women bounded by memory, pain, and the search for healing. #Writers #Authors #Blackademia #BlackAndFree
This reminds me that real change comes from creating new possibilities, not just dismantling the old. Revolution is a journey of transformation, both of the world and ourselves.
What new visions are you imagining today? 🌿✨
#RobinDGKelley #BlackAndFree #Quote #VisionaryChange #Revolution
What new visions are you imagining today? 🌿✨
#RobinDGKelley #BlackAndFree #Quote #VisionaryChange #Revolution
September 22, 2025 at 4:02 PM
This reminds me that real change comes from creating new possibilities, not just dismantling the old. Revolution is a journey of transformation, both of the world and ourselves.
What new visions are you imagining today? 🌿✨
#RobinDGKelley #BlackAndFree #Quote #VisionaryChange #Revolution
What new visions are you imagining today? 🌿✨
#RobinDGKelley #BlackAndFree #Quote #VisionaryChange #Revolution
Here's a bit of what it looked like recording at Luc Tellier's @studio_redtube last year. Such a great experience ❤️. Please search Naila Grateful Album wherever you listen to music.
#BlackAndFree #Music #Black #Artist #Artspace #Musicforlife #Musicmaker #Musiclove #SongwritingProcess #IndieArtist
#BlackAndFree #Music #Black #Artist #Artspace #Musicforlife #Musicmaker #Musiclove #SongwritingProcess #IndieArtist
September 19, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Here's a bit of what it looked like recording at Luc Tellier's @studio_redtube last year. Such a great experience ❤️. Please search Naila Grateful Album wherever you listen to music.
#BlackAndFree #Music #Black #Artist #Artspace #Musicforlife #Musicmaker #Musiclove #SongwritingProcess #IndieArtist
#BlackAndFree #Music #Black #Artist #Artspace #Musicforlife #Musicmaker #Musiclove #SongwritingProcess #IndieArtist
Today we honour the memory of those who suffered and resisted the transatlantic slave trade.
"This Day inscribes the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples… and invites reflection on its causes, methods & consequences." — UNESCO
"This Day inscribes the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples… and invites reflection on its causes, methods & consequences." — UNESCO
September 17, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Today we honour the memory of those who suffered and resisted the transatlantic slave trade.
"This Day inscribes the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples… and invites reflection on its causes, methods & consequences." — UNESCO
"This Day inscribes the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples… and invites reflection on its causes, methods & consequences." — UNESCO
On Aug 31, 1962, Trinidad & Tobago claimed independence from Britain. Carnival began as resistance where formerly enslaved Africans used masquerade, music & dance to mock colonial elites & imagine freedom. Steelpan, born from oil drums, became a global symbol of innovation.
Black joy is resistance.
Black joy is resistance.
September 15, 2025 at 4:03 PM
On Aug 31, 1962, Trinidad & Tobago claimed independence from Britain. Carnival began as resistance where formerly enslaved Africans used masquerade, music & dance to mock colonial elites & imagine freedom. Steelpan, born from oil drums, became a global symbol of innovation.
Black joy is resistance.
Black joy is resistance.
Five days to record drum, bass, keys, and lead and back-up vocals for 10 songs. I made booklets for everyone with the recording schedule, song order, and song lyrics. Grateful for the opportunity to make this album and for the warm international and national reception it's been given.
September 12, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Five days to record drum, bass, keys, and lead and back-up vocals for 10 songs. I made booklets for everyone with the recording schedule, song order, and song lyrics. Grateful for the opportunity to make this album and for the warm international and national reception it's been given.
Happy to share this album review by Canadian Beats! Please check the link in my bio to see the full article and search Naila Grateful Album wherever you listen to music, thank you.
#BlackAndFree #Proud #Music #Artist #BlackArtist #MusicIsLove #IndependentArtist
#BlackAndFree #Proud #Music #Artist #BlackArtist #MusicIsLove #IndependentArtist
September 11, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Happy to share this album review by Canadian Beats! Please check the link in my bio to see the full article and search Naila Grateful Album wherever you listen to music, thank you.
#BlackAndFree #Proud #Music #Artist #BlackArtist #MusicIsLove #IndependentArtist
#BlackAndFree #Proud #Music #Artist #BlackArtist #MusicIsLove #IndependentArtist
Featuring Jordan Oram, a rising cinematographer explored by my undergraduate researchers whose work focuses on lighting Black skin with care and nuance. Through music videos and films, his visuals show intentional lighting can capture the depth and richness of Black skin on screen. #BlackCreatives
September 3, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Featuring Jordan Oram, a rising cinematographer explored by my undergraduate researchers whose work focuses on lighting Black skin with care and nuance. Through music videos and films, his visuals show intentional lighting can capture the depth and richness of Black skin on screen. #BlackCreatives
“When I show, I Dey give them joy joy joy
For my hood, I Dey give them joy joy joy!
Joy joy joy
Yh
Hol’ good energy
And positive vibration
Is all I need.” — Pheelz 🎶
I attended the AfroTech conference in Austin, Texas in November 2023 as part of a site visit that I did for my #BlackAndFree research.
For my hood, I Dey give them joy joy joy!
Joy joy joy
Yh
Hol’ good energy
And positive vibration
Is all I need.” — Pheelz 🎶
I attended the AfroTech conference in Austin, Texas in November 2023 as part of a site visit that I did for my #BlackAndFree research.
August 27, 2025 at 4:03 PM
“When I show, I Dey give them joy joy joy
For my hood, I Dey give them joy joy joy!
Joy joy joy
Yh
Hol’ good energy
And positive vibration
Is all I need.” — Pheelz 🎶
I attended the AfroTech conference in Austin, Texas in November 2023 as part of a site visit that I did for my #BlackAndFree research.
For my hood, I Dey give them joy joy joy!
Joy joy joy
Yh
Hol’ good energy
And positive vibration
Is all I need.” — Pheelz 🎶
I attended the AfroTech conference in Austin, Texas in November 2023 as part of a site visit that I did for my #BlackAndFree research.