ATL Soul Weekly (March 23-29): India.Arie, Phife Dawg, Yani Mo + more

Presenting ATL Soul Weekly, Slo*Mo’s curated look at some of the week’s most notable sights, sounds and events.

EVENTS:

Happy Anniversary Acoustic Soul: It’d be safe (and accurate) to call India.Arie one of the living legends of modern soul — and her international acclaim kicked off in a major way with the release of her debut studio album, “Acoustic Soul” (which we named one of the “15 Most Important ATL Soul Albums“). This Friday, you get a chance to join the ATL-bred singer/songwriter/musician in celebrating that career-launching album via a “SongVersation” between her and some her musical friends. Seems like the makings of a one-of-a-kind happening — don’t miss out. March 26 (virtual). $37-$99. 8 p.m. (EDT) More info: songversationwithindia.com.

Conversations About Jazz, featuring Gayelynn McKinney: More musical discussions are going down this Thursday on Conversations About Jazz & Other Distractions. This free virtual program, streamed via the Hammonds House Facebook and YouTube channels, is hosted by radio vet Carl Anthony and features a chat with acclaimed drummer Gayelynn McKinney. March 25 (virtual). Free. 7:30 p.m. More info: hammondshouse.org.

Kickin’ Up Dust: Hey, we all miss the in-person version of DJ Kemit’s ode to classic 45s, Kickin’ Up Dust, which went down every month at the now-shuttered Sound Table. But, lucky for us, we can enjoy Kemit’s genre-jumping party virtually every Thursday over on his Twitch page. So, until we get past this damn pandemic, tune in and groove in your own crib. Every Thursday (virtual). Free. 7 p.m. Twitch.tv/djkemit.  

Afrique Electrique: Speaking of DJs on Twitch, Kemit’s House in the Park compatriot, Salah Ananse, holds down a virtual iteration of his famed Afrique Electrique party on the platform every Friday. Expect to hear his trademarked blend of African-inspired dance sounds during his two-hour set. Every Friday (virtual). Free (Or CashApp offering at: $SalahAnanse). 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Twitch.tv/salahananse.   

Woman Well: This coming Sunday, Cherished Life hosts a yoga-inspired gathering centered on women and mothers — featuring yoga and breath work led by Vanya Francis (founder of Cherished Life) and a community chat with KonMari Method™-trained tidying coach Kenya Casey, founder of I’m All Over the Place (one of Slo*Mo’s Dope-Ass Women). March 28 (virtual). Free-$35. 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. More info: www.mycherishedlife.com/womanwell.  

ADAMA Arts Salon with Amy Sherald and Dr. Arturo Lindsay: In celebration of ADAMA Arts Salon’s one-year Anniversary, the discussion series presents an exclusive conversation between artist Amy Sherald and artist/scholar Dr. Arturo Lindsay. Sherald, Lindsay’s former student and one of the world’s most recognized contemporary artists (you may know her from her famed Michelle Obama portrait), will talk with Lindsay about her work, career and their decades-long mentor/mentee relationship. March 28 (virtual). Free with registration.12 p.m. More info: adamatl.org/events.

SIGHTS + SOUNDS:

Yani Mo — “Life U Choose”: Atlanta-based rapper/singer Yani Mo gets us ready for the warm-weather months with the recently released, sun-kissed video for her single “Life U Choose.” The song and the clip give off ample Goodie Mob-meets-Arrested Development vibes, but Mo wraps everything up in her own unique way. More info: yanimo.bandcamp.com.

Phife Dawg, ft. Busta Rhymes and Redman — “Nutshell Pt. 2”: And while we’re on the subject of hip-hop, we’re pretty sure you’ve heard that this week Atlanta’s own DJ Rasta Root dropped a new visual for the late-great Phife Dawg’s track “Nutshell Pt. 2,” guest starring Busta Rhymes and Redman. But whether you’ve seen it or not, it’s dope — so feel free to press play another time or 10.

Mausiki Scales — “Kaleidoscopic Universe: Daz-I-Kue Remix”: I would try to describe the latest remix to drop from Mausiki Scales’ current album “WestWest Africa,” but the locally based, Afrobeat-centric musician/bandleader summed it up pretty nicely: “An intergalactic mix from London-born, ATL/Nashville resident and world-renowned DJ/Producer Daz-I-Kue, which delves into the deep dimensions of Broken Beat. ‘Kaleidoscopic Universe: Daz-I-Kue Remix’ delivers a hard hittin’ rhythmic fusion that grooves from the festival to the dance floor.” Couldn’t have said it better myself! Give it a listen below, and then buy a copy here: https://mausikiscales.bandcamp.com/track/kaleidoscopic-universe-daz-i-kue-remix

Rehaset — “AZEB”: Sticking with Mausiki Scales and Daz-I-Kue for a sec, the pair recently joined forces to support Atlanta expat Rehaset on her newest tune, AZEB. Scales produced and Daz mixed and mastered the track, which was written by Rehaset as a tribute to her proud Ethiopian mother (who passed away in 2015) and the singer/rapper’s search for “a place to call home.” Snag your copy here: rehaset.bandcamp.com/track/azeb