Hofstra Cultural Center and the Department of Music presents:

The Music, Memory, and Identity Lecture Commemorating Black History Month and Civil Rights Day AFRICANFUTURIST INTERPRETATIONS: CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIP-HOP WITH DR. ABIMBOLA COLE KAI-LEWIS AND HIP-HOP ARTIST CHOSAN.

This event is part of the Music, Memory, and Identity lecture series started by the Department of Music in 2018. It commemorates the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with a lecture, discussion, and performance featuring rapper Chosan and ethnomusicologist Abimbola Cole Kai-Lewis. Dr. Kai-Lewis’ lecture investigates Africanfuturist representations in the marketing of Chosan’s album Glareification (2021). She invokes author Nnedi Okorafor’s theory of Africanfuturism and its role in reimagining Africa by combining aspects of the past, present, and future. This concept serves as a theoretical model for examining the marketing imagery and musical content of Glareification. Following the lecture, Chosan will engage in a discussion with Dr. Kai-Lewis highlighting his musical career and lasting commitment to creating songs honoring his Sierra Leonean heritage. Chosan will also share recently released music with attendees during a brief closing performance. Through this collaborative experience, Chosan and Dr. Kai-Lewis will emphasize how Africanfuturism serves as a lens for interpreting rap music.

Helene Fortunoff Theater, Monroe Lecture Center Theater, 127 Hofstra University Map
516-436-5669