We Black Folk Festival: Revealing the African American Legacy in Folk Music

The cultural tapestry of folk music is being vividly highlighted through the lens of African American influence, thanks to the efforts of Cliff Notez, a Boston-based rapper. In a bold endeavor, Cliff Notez curated the We Black Folk Festival, a two-night event held at Club Passim. The festival brought together a wide variety of Black musicians to the fore, showcasing an expansive range of talented performers, mainly drawn from the local scene. From soulful singer-songwriters to indie rock bands, the lineup presents the genre's rich diversity and deep roots in African American heritage.

Championing Diversity in Folk Music

Known for his commitment to cultivating a more inclusive music scene, Cliff Notez has had a lifelong passion for music across genres, despite a childhood where rap was off-limits in his household. Instead, his musical upbringing was bathed in the soothing strains of soft rock and folk, which left a lasting impression on him. The festival is a response to the underrepresentation of Black artists in folk music, aiming to reclaim the narrative that has been predominantly associated with white artists despite its Black roots.

Inspiration Behind the Festival

The epiphany for Cliff Notez came upon discovering that Tracy Chapman, the artist behind the hit 'Fast Car,' was, in fact, a Black woman. This realization spurred a deeper exploration into the genre's Black origins. Inspired by Black folk musicians like Rhiannon Giddens and Dom Flemons, who've highlighted the overlooked contributions of African Americans to folk music, Cliff Notez saw an opportunity to affirm these influences through the festival.

A Platform for Black Artists

Spanning two consecutive Sundays, the sold-out We Black Folk Festival featured seven performers each night. The artists represented not only Boston's local talent but also an expansive interpretation of folk music. The festival also provided a platform for artists like Aisha Burns, a singer-songwriter and violinist who grew up as an outlier in the Texas fiddle scene due to her race, offering her a rare opportunity to perform exclusively with Black artists. This event is part of a broader diversity initiative at Club Passim, facilitated by The Folk Collective, which aims to diversify the performers and audience members at the club.

The Future of We Black Folk Festival

While the festival marks a significant step toward cultural inclusivity, Cliff Notez aspires to elevate it even further. Ventures like securing a spot at larger venues such as the Newport Folk Festival or even launching a major annual festival in a site tied closely to Boston's Black community are on the horizon. The goal is to inspire future generations in the Black community to recognize that folk music is part of their cultural heritage too.

festival, diversity, music