Kansas City Musicians Embark on International Journey with UNESCO
In an exciting turn of events, Kansas City is hitting the international music scene as four local artists gear up for a unique opportunity to represent their vibrant culture abroad. Selected as part of a cultural ambassador program by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), these musicians will partake in a music tour beginning in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This initiative aims to showcase diverse American music genres while building connections through the arts. Featured artists include local favorites Kadesh Flow, Jass Couch, Kemet Coleman, and Clarence Copridge IV.
A Dream Come True
As they gear up for this opportunity, Kemet Coleman, a well-known rapper and entrepreneur, shared his excitement, saying, “We are taking the sounds of Kansas City and taking that over to a new environment. It is a special thing for all of us.” Representing Kansas City is truly a dream come true for these artists, as they embark on this thrilling adventure.
This tour is particularly groundbreaking as Kansas City becomes the first city in the U.S. to focus specifically on music through a partnership with UNESCO, which has primarily concentrated on visual arts exchange in American cities. The goal is to launch a continuous series of cultural music exchange programs that will not only connect artists but also inspire understanding across communities worldwide.
Kadesh Flow: Bridging Cultures
For Kadesh Flow, aka Ryan Davis, the journey to this international stage began unexpectedly. His connection with UNESCO sparked from an invitation to perform at the Kansas City Irish Festival three years ago. Initially unsure how his hip-hop style would be received, he surprised the audience by performing a rap to the tune of “Zombie” by The Cranberries. The crowd’s enthusiastic reaction turned out to be a pivotal moment for him. “When I did that, the crowd at Irish Fest lost their minds,” said Davis joyfully. This performance eventually led to an invitation to show his talents at an event sponsored by UNESCO.
An Exciting Learning Experience
As the group prepares for their first performance on November 9 at the Belfast Music Festival, anticipation is building. They will not only perform but also participate in discussions about the music industry during the Belfast Hip-Hop Festival the following day. Davis emphasized the potential for personal and professional growth, stating, “I am treating this as a learning experience.” He is eager to immerse himself in the local Irish culture and hopes to create connections for future collaborations.
Cherishing the Collaborative Spirit
Among the performers, Jass Couch expressed her gratitude and excitement, stating, “I love the aspect of sharing our music with people and creating an experience.” This opportunity signifies not just an individual endeavor but a representation of all U.S. music. “With us being the first UNESCO city for music in the United States, it is huge. We are representing not just KC music but all the country,” she noted proudly.
Music as a Universal Language
The tour is a testament to the notion that music transcends borders. Coleman reflects on music’s unifying nature: “When you think of the first aspects of hip-hop, then you know they evolved from jazz, which is, of course, pretty important for Kansas City.” This synergy between hip-hop and jazz is echoed through the artists’ works and is part of what they hope to share on this global stage.
A Bright Future Awaits
As the Kansas City artists embark on their journey in Belfast, they represent a wave of creativity and connection that music fosters. For many aspiring musicians back home, this is an inspiring reminder that dreams can indeed become reality. Davis hopes the tour will serve as a beacon of inspiration, guiding others to step beyond their musical boundaries, forge new connections, and craft a lasting impact on the rich tapestry of music that unites us all. “This will be an awesome trip, but there is a responsibility to the culture to leave a good impression for the people who really love this music,” he concluded.
