Introducing…Tianna Esperanza Shares Debut Single and Powerful Video for “Lewis” During Black History Month
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Posted By: Leo Lavoro on February 25, 2022 Tianna Esperanza is a singer, songwriter, and storyteller who embodies a depth of talent and heart well beyond her 21 years. With a sultry voice and flair for fashion, Esperanza creates compelling music inspired by legendary artists such as Nina Simone, Public Enemy, and Gil Scott-Heron. Esperanza also happens to be the granddaughter of punk legend Paloma (“Palmolive”) McLardy, who founded the London-based 1970s all-girl punk band “The Slits” and later played with “The Raincoats”. Today, during Black History Month, Tianna releases her soulful, partially spoken-word debut single “Lewis” via BMG. The track is an homage to Lewis H. Michaux, the owner of Harlem’s historic African National Memorial Bookstore. This single is accompanied by a stunning, Peter Campbell (Saba) -directed video – view video HERE. Esperanza was inspired to write “Lewis'' after watching Michaux recite an original poem in the 2011 documentary “The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975. “Lewis woke me up to the reality of classism, racism, and religious oppression, and where they connect American people of all races. I began to think about how that struggle was interwoven in the fabric of my multiracial identity and I felt empowered by Lewis to own my voice.” “Lewis” Lyrics Now this song is about a man named Lewis. Lewis H. Michaux to be exact. Now Lewis owned a little bookstore in Harlem, And one day while he was sitting in his bookstore, Some black boys came in with their fists up screaming, “black power black power!”. He said, look sons I’d like to straighten you out. He said, black is beautiful but black ain’t power, Knowledge is power, sons. Cuz you can be as black as a crow, You can be as white as snow, But if you don’t know, And you ain’t got no dough, You can’t go and that’s for sho’. Now Lewis also said that when the white man landed here he brought two weapons One was the bible and the other was the gun If he didn’t humble you with the Bible, He crumbled you with the gun. And they’re still praising the Lord, And passing ammunition all over the world. Cuz you can be as black as a crow, You can be as white as snow, But if you don’t know, And you ain’t got no dough, You can’t go and that’s for sho’. So as I was listening to Lewis’ words, I thought a couple of my own: The human collective strives to be connected Our minds strive the respect of intellect Our souls; no regret Our bodies; the joy of no neglect. We are constrained by societal norms, Born with individuality to only conform, And the cycle goes on in sync. So I think what Lewis is trying to say here is, Live life, love life, and be smart. Take your piece, don’t play your part. Cuz you can be as black as a crow, You can be as white as snow, But if you don’t know, And you ain’t got no dough, You can’t go and that’s for sho https://tiannaesperanza.com/ If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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