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@nailakeletamae.bsky.social

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Artist, scholar, Principal Investigator of Black And Free, Associate Prof, University of Waterloo. https://linktr.ee/nailakeletamae

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nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · May 5

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!

A purple grid post with neon green text highlighting what is Black And Free

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nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · 9d

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.

A grid post highlighting the early composition of 'Grateful' from Naila's album

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · 11d

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!

A photo of Lani Adeoye with her artwork.

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · 13d

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines gained its independence from the United Kingdom on October 27th, 1975.

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · 16d

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

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · 18d

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."

A photo of Ronald Cummings on a neon yellow background with an orange pattern and the words "RONALD CUMMINGS" at the top.

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · 20d

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.

A text that reads: "Dance underscores the importance of bodily experience as an integrative agent in all learning. - Ann Dills"

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · 23d

“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.

A photo of the early composition of ABCD

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · 25d

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.”

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · 27d

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.

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · Oct 10

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

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · Oct 8

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.

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · Oct 6

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.

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · Oct 3

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.

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · Oct 1

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.

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · Sep 29

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.

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · Sep 26

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.

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · Sep 24

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

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · Sep 22

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

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · Sep 19

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

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · Sep 17

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

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · Sep 15

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.

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nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · Sep 12

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.

A grid post depicting a cup of coffee, fruit, and a sheet of paper as Naila works on song writing

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · Sep 11

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

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · Sep 3

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

A picture of cinematographer Jordan Oram, featuring a yellow background with an abrstact orange print. A text that reads "JORDAN ORAM" is at the top of the image.

nailakeletamae.bsky.social @nailakeletamae.bsky.social · Aug 27

“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.