Wanda's Picks Radio Show Special Tribute to Kiilu Nyasha

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!

For the first part of the program we honor Iya Kiilu Nyasha, Freedom Fighter, a woman whose life was dedicated to the People. Visit http://kiilunyasha.blogspot.com/

We close with the Zimbabwean ensemble KTO cofounders who have a series of shows coming up at Ashkenaz Music and Dance Center, April 19 & 21. www.ashkenaz.com 

Kelly Takunda Orphan: The KTO Project is rooted in the diverse musical relationships and heritage of its bandleader, Bay Area singer, drummer, composer and dancer, Kelly Takunda Orphan. In 1994, after recording and touring with Babatunde Olatunji and the Afro-pop band, African Rain, Kelly studied ethnomusicology at the University of Zimbabwe. 

Zivanai Masango (guitar) was born in Harare, Zimbabwe and has toured both nationally and internationally with the two legends of Zimbabwe: Thomas Mapfumo and Oliver Mtukudzi. Zivanai has been a member of The KTO Project since 2006.