Selema Masekela On ‘People’s Party With Talib Kweli’

Jjee4pz Tga

In this episode of “People’s Party With Talib Kweli”, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with rapper, writer, director, and entrepreneur:

SELEMA MASEKELA

Here’s what they got into on this one:

  • Selema’s cousin, South African rapper Selema Writes
  • George Zimmerman reinforcing racists’ sense of power and vigilantism
  • His father, iconic jazz musician Hugh Masekela and his rich legacy
  • The musical collaboration Alekesam between Selema and Sunny Levine
  • The US government’s lack of response to the refugee crisis in Haiti
  • Attending elementary school with Method Man and what he was like as a kid
  • Coming to the realization that he wanted to be addressed by his birth name
  • The culture shock of moving from Staten Island, New York to Carlsbad, California
  • Encountering racism on the beaches, while learning how to surf
  • People being triggered online when he stands up for pro-Black causes
  • How the emergence of the X Games changed boarding culture forever
  • Visiting South Africa to film the doc series “Umlando” with his father
  • The paddle out at Moonlight Beach held in George Floyd’s honor
  • 150 Black surfers united at Manhattan Beach in response to racism
  • Selema’s motto of “be blocked and be blessed” dealing with online racism
  • His clothing brand Mami Wata and it’s concept of African-themed surf wear
  • Detailing the inspiration for Talib’s “Ocean Song”
  • Selema’s friendship with fashion designer and entrepreneur Virgil Abloh
  • “Fuck your tolerance, start with acceptance…”
  • His biggest takeaways learning from snowboarding pioneer Jake Burton
  • What Selema has on the horizon

“People’s Party With Talib Kweli” is also available to give a listen via Spotify | SoundCloud | Google Play | Apple | Luminary