Album Notes

Winner of the Delaware Division of Arts 2000 Fellowship for her outstanding contribution to Oral Literature, TAHIRA has taken her blend of poetry, storytelling and music to over 100 cities across the country.

Her most recent album, Rise to Freedom, showcases TAHIRA's talents as a poet, storyteller and vocalist. Blending spoken word, song and world music this album is in keeping with the West African oral tradition TAHIRA is so committed to.

Don't let the number of tracks on this album fool you. This album runs nearly an hour and contains many audience's favorites. Here is a snip-bit of what you'll get:

Rise to Freedom - The title selection is TAHIRA's re-adaptation of the legend, The Flying Africans." TAHIRA's performance of this story received a standing ovation at the 17th Annual Black Storytelling Festival and Conference, where she was a Featured Teller.

Strange Animal - is a lighthearted tale with an effective message about being mindful of the words that we speak to children.

A Story, A Story - TAHIRA sings this gentle and haunting tune describing the power of A Story.

These recordings, much like TAHIRA's live presentations, are inspiring and up-lifting. Each one has a powerful lesson for audiences of all ages. Have a listen, you too may be transformed!

A full time performing artist, TAHIRA feels it is her life's work to continue in the oral tradition of her ancestors. She credits her mother for giving her the courage and support to pursue her dreams and her father for instilling her love for her culture.

"My intention as a performing artist is to shed light in dark places in order to chase away shadows and reveal the brilliance of the human spirit. My light is my gift as an artist. The dark place is fear in all its forms: racism, sexism, belief in lack and the list goes on. Fear/darkness is simply the absence of light. " --- TAHIRA