The Rhythm of Rebellion with Taína Asili

On this episode of The Rhythm of Rebellion, I speak with Evan Greer, a powerhouse trans and queer activist, writer and musician based in Boston. Evan's journey is a dynamic interplay of musical wit, grassroots activism, and a fervent dedication to justice. She has gracefully evolved her sound from riot-folk roots to a more layered indie pop aesthetic with an anarcho-punk soul. Her recent album, "Spotify is Surveillance," has garnered praise from NPR, Rolling Stone, and Pitchfork. As a touring musician and speaker, Evan has shared stages with a diverse array of artists, including Pete Seeger, Eve 6, and Tom Morello. Beyond her musical prowess, Evan serves as the director of Fight for the Future, a digital rights nonprofit, where her eloquence on issues of free speech, technology, and human rights resonate far and wide. LISTEN NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Amazon Music. Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine with editing by Moses Nagel. More info about Evan Greer at: Evangreer.org IG @thatevangreer Follow me at: tainaasili.com IG + YouTube @tainaasili FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic

On this episode of The Rhythm of Rebellion, we sit down with DJ Johnny Juice, a legendary figure in the world of hip-hop and an iconic DJ, producer, and musician. Best known for his work with the groundbreaking hip-hop group Public Enemy, DJ Johnny Juice has been a driving force behind the revolutionary sounds that have defined an era. Join us as we dive into his journey, exploring the profound history that has made up his extraordinary career. LISTEN NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Amazon Music. Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine with editing by Moses Nagel. More info about DJ Johnny Juice at Instagram: @johnnyjuice johnnyjuice.com Follow me at: tainaasili.com IG + YouTube @tainaasili FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic

On this episode of "The Rhythm of Rebellion," I have a soulful conversation with the brilliant musician, composer, and singer, Toshi Reagon. Toshi's unique ability to move seamlessly between musical genres and create melodies that carry the essence of human experiences has earned her a distinguished place among musicians and activists. A remarkable facet of Toshi's career is her groundbreaking work, "Parable of the Sower" a congregational-opera based on Octavia E. Butler's seminal novel, exploring themes of Afrofuturism and social change. Join this conversation as we discuss the power of collaboration, and the timeless impact of music in sparking transformation and unity. LISTEN NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Amazon Music. Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine with editing by Moses Nagel. More info about Toshi Reagon at:toshireagon.comIG @biglovely101 Follow me at: tainaasili.com IG + YouTube @tainaasili FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic

On today’s episode, I delve into a captivating conversation with Edisa Weeks, a renowned choreographer, educator, and the founder of the multicultural dance company Delirious Dances. Edisa’s artistic journey is a profound exploration of dance, liberation, and community engagement. Edisa's artistic vision extends beyond traditional performance spaces. Her artistic vision transcends traditional performance spaces as she actively involves communities, employing dance as a powerful tool for both personal and collective liberation. Through her groundbreaking projects, including the recent masterpiece "3 Rites," Edisa orchestrates a unique fusion of movement, inviting participants to intimately connect with their environments and histories. Throughout this episode, Edisa generously unveils the intricate methodology behind her work, providing profound insights into their deeper purpose. LISTEN NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Amazon Music. Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine with editing by Moses Nagel. More info about Edisa Weeks at:deliriousdances.comIG @deliriousdances Follow me at: tainaasili.com IG + YouTube @tainaasili FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic

On today’s episode I speak with Meklit, an Ethio-American vocalist, songwriter, and composer known for her electric stage presence and her ability to craft deeply personal Ethio-Jazz songs that resonate with audiences across the globe. Meklit's music has taken her from the heart of Addis Ababa, to stages in San Francisco, New York City, Nairobi, Cairo, Montreal, London, Rome and many more. Meklit is a National Geographic Explorer, a TED Senior Fellow, and a former Artist-in-Residence at Harvard University. She has also been involved in impactful projects like the Nile Project, which addresses cultural and environmental challenges in the Nile basin through music, education, and enterprise. You can also find Meklit as host of the "Movement," a podcast and live show that explores global migration through music. Embark on a journey through Meklit's musical evolution, creating a rich tapestry of sonic landscapes that celebrate identity and community. LISTEN NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Amazon Music. Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine with editing by Moses Nagel. More info about Meklit at: Meklitmusic.com IG @MeklitMusic Follow me at: tainaasili.com IG + YouTube @tainaasili FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic

On today’s episode I speak with Morley, an artist deeply devoted to human rights and environmental justice. Morley's global travels have allowed her to share music with profound luminaries like His Holiness The Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela. She has shared the stage with Toshi Reagon and Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, and has starred in their renowned musical Octavia E. Butler's Parable of the Sower. Additionally, Morley spearheaded the album "Borderless Lullabies," supporting KIND, aiding the reunification of children separated by ICE. Morley recently released the album "Story of the Sky," in collaboration with her spouse and musical partner, Chris Bruce, created to ignite the imagination and joy of children and families. Join us as Morley shares what she has learned about the transformative power of sound and harmony for a more just world. LISTEN NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Amazon Music. Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine with editing by Moses Nagel. More info about Morley at: Morleymusic.org, IG @morley_music Follow me at: tainaasili.com, IG + YouTube @tainaasili, FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic

On today’s episode I speak with Ivelisse Diaz, a dynamic force in the world of Bomba, an emblematic Puerto Rican musical tradition that emerged 400 years ago from our African ancestors. Ivelisse shares her journey, from learning Bomba as a child, to becoming director of La Escuelita Bombera de Corazón based in Chicago's Humboldt Park community with classes offered throughout the world. Her story unfolds as a testament to the transformative power of Bomba as a tool for healing, resistance, reciprocity, and remembrance. LISTEN NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Amazon Music. Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine with editing by Moses Nagel. More info about Ivelisse Diaz at: bomberadecorazon.com IG @laescuelitabdc or @ivelisse_diaz_ Follow me at: tainaasili.com IG + YouTube @tainaasili FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic

On today’s episode I speak with Jamila Sabares-Klemm, a prominent Filipina-American activist, actor, and singer currently starring as Dory/Evelyn in the Broadway Revival of Merrily We Roll Along. We discuss her journey through the world of theater, as well as her work as co-founder of Justice through Arts Music and Movement (J.A.M.M.), which uses music and movement as powerful tools to challenge injustice and dismantle oppressive systems. Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine with editing by Moses Nagel. More info about Jamila Sabares-Klemm at: jamilasabaresklemm.com IG @jamilajoy Follow me at: tainaasili.com IG + YouTube @tainaasili FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic

On today’s episode I speak with singer-songwriter María José Montijo, who is a self-described “weird, cosmic, and queer islander” from Puerto Rico, now based in the Bay Area of California. Her music draws inspiration from over 20 years of experience as a healer, and is rooted in a continuous process of discovery and care, where trauma is transformed into art. Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine, with editing by Moses Nagel. Check out the ⁠⁠⁠Spotify playlist⁠⁠⁠ to listen to music by the artists interviewed this season. More info about me at: ⁠⁠⁠TainaAsili.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠⁠TW⁠⁠⁠ @tainaasili ⁠⁠⁠FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic⁠⁠ More info about María José Montijo at: Esotericatropical.com IG @esotericatropical TW @majomontijo FB.com/mariajosemontijomusic More info about this podcast at TheRhythmofRebellion.com

On today’s episode I speak with music maker Xenia Rubinos, who uses her powerful voice to create beats and melodies from scratch. Xenia’s sound grows from a wide range of influences from Caribbean rhythms and beat music to minimalism and indie rock all delivered with a soulful punk aura. With her most recent album Una Rosa and accompanying videos, she continues to push musical and creative boundaries even further. Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine, with editing by Moses Nagel. Check out the ⁠⁠Spotify playlist⁠⁠ to listen to music by the artists interviewed this season. More info about me at: ⁠⁠TainaAsili.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠IG⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠TW⁠⁠ @tainaasili ⁠⁠FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic⁠⁠ More info about Xenia Rubinos at: Xeniarubinos.com IG + TW @xeniarubinos FB.com/xeniarubinos More info about this podcast at ⁠⁠TheRhythmofRebellion.com

On today’s episode I speak with Sonny Singh, a Brooklyn-based musician who has brought his fiery trumpet & vocals to audiences around the world for the last decade. Sonny's first musical outlet as a child of immigrant parents in North Carolina was singing Sikh devotional music, later exploring many other musical genres. In 2003, Sonny co-founded the political rock band Outernational and recorded an album produced by Tom Morello. Since 2008, his vocals and trumpet have become central to the sound and raw energy of the renowned bhangra brass band Red Baraat. Sonny’s 2022 debut solo album, produced by Wil-Dog Abers of Ozomatli, is entitled Chardi Kala, the Sikh concept of revolutionary eternal optimism. Chardi Kala is a return to Sonny’s Punjabi & Sikh roots, but with the lens he’s developed over the course of his life as a touring musician, educator, and activist. Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine, with editing by Moses Nagel. Check out the ⁠Spotify playlist⁠ to listen to music by the artists interviewed this season. More info about me at: ⁠TainaAsili.com⁠ ⁠IG⁠ + ⁠TW⁠ @tainaasili ⁠FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic⁠ More info about Sonny Singh at: Sonnysingh.com IG @iamsonnysingh FB.com/IAmSonnySingh More info about this podcast at ⁠TheRhythmofRebellion.com

On today’s episode I speak with L.I.T.A., a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter born in Ecuador, raised in Upstate, New York, and currently residing in Los Angeles. Her name is an acronym for Love Is The Answer, and with love as her guiding force she offers emotion-filled vocal performances and an unparalleled genre-fluid sound inspired by her life experiences, hardships, and struggles. After a hemorrhagic stroke nearly ended her life, LITA dropped her captivating and emotionally raw album “Only Peace Exists Now.” The album, released in 2022, is the result of the solace she found in music during her long road to recovery. Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine, with editing by Moses Nagel. Check out the Spotify playlist to listen to music by the artists interviewed this season. More info about me at: TainaAsili.com IG + TW @tainaasili FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic More info about L.I.T.A. at: Litamusic.com IG @litamusicforever TW @litamusic4ever FB.com/litamusicforever More info about this podcast at TheRhythmofRebellion.com

On today’s episode I speak with Ximena Violante, a Mexican violinist, jarana player, singer, teacher, actor, and organizer creating spaces for people to celebrate their roots, re-imagine their futures, and expand their communities. Ximena is the bandleader and songwriter for Interminable, a futuristic fusion project that brings together son jarocho (an afromestizo musical tradition from Mexico), as well as jazz, rock and funk. Ximena has also been a featured guest musician with many well-known artists including Las Cafeteras and Flor de Toloache, and they were on the soundtrack for Disney’s The Last of the Chupacabras. Additionally they do theatrical performance and arts education. Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine, with editing by Moses Nagel. Check out the Spotify playlist to listen to music by the artists interviewed this season. More info about me at: TainaAsili.com IG + TW @tainaasili FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic More info about Ximena Violante and Interminable at: Ximenaviolante.com Interminablemusic.com IG @kimeraldo + @interminablemusic TW @ximenaviolante FB.com/interminablemusic More info about this podcast at TheRhythmofRebellion.com

On today’s episode I speak with Mireya Ramos, a New York-based, Latin Grammy-winning vocalist, violinist, composer, arranger and founder of Flor de Toloache – New York City’s first and only all-women mariachi group. Born in California to Dominican and Mexican parents, Mireya was raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico until moving to New York in her teens to pursue her musical career. With her powerful skills in violin and voice, she embodies a wide variety of musical influences, from mariachi to salsa to hip-hop. Her debut self-titled solo album released in 2022 weaves a unique and refreshing musical blend. Listen to the full episode at RhythmofRebellion.com or wherever podcasts are streamed. More info about me at: TainaAsili.com IG + TW @tainaasili FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic More info about Mireya Ramos and Flor de Toloache at: Mireyaramos.com Mariachinyc.com IG @yeyasmiles + @flordetoloache TW @mireyamusic FB.com/mireyairamos

On today’s episode I speak with Jeneda Benally, a bassist, vocalist, and songwriter, and one half of the multi-award winning duo Sihasin. Jeneda and her brother Clayson Benally are from the Dine’ (Navajo) Nation in Northern Arizona. Together with their family, they grew up protesting the environmental degradation and inhumane acts of cultural genocide against their traditional way of life. Today they create a politically-charged explosive organic sound out of just bass, drums and vocals, inspiring their listeners with a punk backbone, softened by a folk heart, thumping by pop and international sounds, and based in Navajo Rhythm. Listen to the full episode at RhythmofRebellion.com or wherever podcasts are streamed. More info about me at: TainaAsili.com IG + TW @tainaasili FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic More info about Jeneda Benally and Sihasin at: Sihasin.com IG @jenedabenally + @sihasin_band TW @sihasin_music FB.com/Sihasin

On today’s episode I speak with Martha Redbone, a Native and African-American vocalist, songwriter, composer, and educator. She is known for her unique gumbo of folk, blues, and gospel from her childhood in Harlan County, Kentucky infused with the eclectic grit of pre-gentrified Brooklyn. Inheriting the powerful vocal range of her gospel-singing African American father and the resilient spirit of her mother’s Cherokee/Choctaw culture, Martha broadens the boundaries of American Roots music. With songs and storytelling that share her life experience as an Afro-Indigenous woman and mother navigating in the new millennium, she gives voice to issues of social justice, bridging traditions, connecting cultures, and celebrating the human spirit. Made in collaboration with Hudson Mohawk Magazine, with editing by Moses Nagel. Check out the Spotify playlist to listen to music by the artists interviewed this season. More info about me at: TainaAsili.com IG + TW @tainaasili FB.com/TainaAsiliMusic More info about Martha Redbone at: martharedbone.com IG + TW @martharedbone FB.com/MarthaRedbone

In this special episode, I talk about my journey down to Washington DC to perform at three events in protest to Trump's Inauguration. These events were a inauguration day DisruptJ20 benefit concert, the DisruptJ20 protest on inauguration day, The Women's March on Washington the day after. While down there I spoke briefly with four hip hop artists whom I performed with at the DisruptJ20 benefit concert: Sammus, Rebel Diaz, Tef Poe, and Immortal Technique. I ask them about what it means to them to be performing at an event in protest to Trump's inauguration.

In this episode I speak with Mama Charlotte Hill O’Neal, an accomplished vocalist, musician, poet, visual artist, and former member of the Black Panther Party. She has been living in the village of Imbaseni, near Arusha, Tanzania, for over 40 years. There she is the co-director of the United African Alliance Community Center (UAACC), a center focusing on healing the community by providing a diverse array of art and media projects. This week we talk with Mama C about her musical history, including her music influences during her time in the Black Panther Party. We also discuss the powerful work she is doing in the UAACC, and her upcoming tour to the U.S.. She offers some inspirational words of wisdom for how to move through this next phase of justice work in the time of the Trump regime.

In this episode I speak with Enmanuel Candelario, a writer, performer and recording artist with The Peace Poets, a collective of artists from the Bronx, NY. Since 2005 The Peace Poets have celebrated, examined and advocated for life through music and poetry, with a stylistic emphasis on lyricism, rhythm and authenticity. In 2014, their song “I Can’t Breath” in memory of Eric Garner received national attention, being sung as a form of protest by activists, artists and celebrities. This week I...

In this episode I talk with visionary cellist, vocalist, and community activist Bonfire Madigan Shive. Madigan began her career in the Pacific Northwest Riot Grrrl scene, releasing music with independent record labels K and Kill Rock Stars. She’s gone on to establish herself as a trailblazing performer, blending folk, punk, classical and avant-baroque styles. She is also a founding collective member of The Icarus Project, a progressive, peer led mental health community and support network....