Part 3: The 30 Most Notable Africans of 2013
03 Feb 2014
#2. Who: SAMUEL BAZAWULE aka BLITZ THE AMBASSADOR
Country of Origin: GHANA
What: What do you get when you cross American Hip Hop with the Fela-inspired sounds of Afrobeat? “Google” Blitz the Ambassador, and you’ll get your answer. This Ghana-born, New York-based entertainer has been on the popular music scene since 2004 when, Soul Rebel, his first album was released. Finding it difficult to get the major record companies to pick up his music, Blitz decided to create his own label to promote his artistry and Embassy MVMT was born. His latest album, Afropolitan Dreams, dropped in 2013 to international acclaim. The album is a musical journey documenting the African immigrant experience in America.
Why I’m Inspired: Besides making socially conscious music that paints the continent in vivid colors and rhythmic sounds for those who take a listen, Blitz is also a passionate filmmaker committed to telling stories from the continent. In this interview, he says, “I’m absolutely in love with being able to capture life as it is [in Africa]… Often, I feel like our stories are never told in full detail. [They’re] never nuanced in our characters. It’s always [about] war…bloodshed, or conflict diamonds. All these preconceived notions that end up being our typecast in movies… [My filmmaking is] really about capturing the continent beautifully.” I got you, Blitz. I love Africa too.
Julian B. Kiganda
Julian B. Kiganda is a passionate creative, expert brand builder, published author and founder of Bold & Fearless. A native of Uganda and Rwanda, she has 15+ years of experience as a multicultural design and communications expert. She’s created powerful brands for clients such as the African Union, Turner Construction, and the Freedom House Museum. Julian and her work have been featured in numerous media including: The Washington Post, ABC News, NBC4, FOX5, Associated Press, Communication Arts, Huffington Post, NPR, and ARISE Magazine. In 2014, she co-authored and published her first highly-acclaimed book, “Whose Shoes Are You Wearing? 12 Steps to Uncovering the Woman You Really Want to Be,” and is on a mission to empower women to walk boldly and fearlessly in the shoes God made just for them!
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