NanaNYC and Friends Live Radio Show Recap

NanaNYC and Friends Live Radio Show Recap

Music artists Nana NYC, King Joe and Esco Barz joined host Aleida Castillo for the CulturallyLit radio show on WVOX 1460AM radio on Monday May 23.

While on the show each artist discussed about their love for music and played new songs. They included Blow by Nana NYC, Demon Time by King Joe and even a freestyle by Esco Barz. Blow and Demon Time are songs that are a part of the Afrobeat genre which “is a music genre that combines of elements of West African musical styles such as fuji music and highlife with American funk and jazz influences, with a focus on chanted vocals, complex intersecting rhythms, and percussion. The genre was developed in the 1960s by Fela Kuti, who is credited for pioneering and popularizing the style both within and outside Nigeria” according to UntitledMusic.org.

NanaNYC and King Joe explained how the culture and music of Ghana has influenced their decision to make this type of music and has allowed them to further discover who they are as music artists and individuals. Additionally, Esco Barz who is from Puerto Rico believes that his culture has been a major factor within his music journey.

Through their joint passion for music, each artist asserted that their friendship and comradery has maintained strong. They also expressed how important it is to embrace all cultures and backgrounds as it enables them to learn more about diversity and expands their understanding of the music industry.

“Were’ all the same. I’m glad that Nana’s putting all the cultures together so that people know its not Black versus Puerto Rican or Ecuadorian versus Irish…we deal with everybody….we’re all the same” Esco Barz said. “As long as you come at us with peace and love, we’ll come at you with peace and love.”

As upcoming artists they are excited to continue producing more songs for their fans to listen to and continuing their mission of unifying different cultures to produce musical masterpieces.

Additionally each artist reflected on their New York City upbringing and how the Bronx has always “shown them love” in regard to listening to their music, purchasing it, and following them as they work their way up the charts. They attribute much of their success to residents within the Bronx and other local artists for collaborating with them on past projects.

As music artists there is often a stigma associated with the lifestyle that includes the perception that they are “bad guys” and only surround themselves with drinking and drug use. As a way to change this narrative, Nana NYC has teamed up with Boxingologyllc to host an even called Boxing and Vibes Workout Party and Concert.

This event is meant to promote health, music and entertainment as attendees can participate in working out while hearing live music from NanaNYC and other local artists. As a way to engage youth populations and also encourage them to socialize and get exercise, admission is free. For adults admission is $25. The event will be taking place on June 25 from 6-11pm at 455 South 11th Avenue #2nd Floor suite 202 Mount Vernon, NY 10550.

Ultimately the goal of this event is to create a safe space where Mount Vernon youth, residents and parents can come together to get active, hear new music and to rebrand the preconceived notion of the music artist to one that is positive and uplifting. 

Written by Culturally Lit Contributor : Olivia Barrios-Johnson