By Olivia Oriaku, news correspondent
The Cypher, one of more than 150 HUBweek events, brought together musical artists from different backgrounds and diverse talents to celebrate contemporary music and its roots across the African diaspora.
The event took place Friday at The Hub in City Hall Square. The Boston Art & Music Soul Fest (BAMS Fest), a non-profit organization that strives to revitalize the spirit of communities of color across Greater Boston, partnered with HUBweek to host the event.
Karl-Lydie Jean-Baptiste, the media relations coordinator for BAMS fest, discussed the organization’s goals in partnering with HUBweek and hosting the event.
“The main focus of BAMS fest is to break down racial and social barriers to arts and culture in Boston,” Jean-Baptiste said. “This partnership does just that. It brings groups of people together from diverse backgrounds in one room to share a cultural experience that is not typically celebrated outside of the Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan area.”
The Cypher included DJs, steel drummers, beat boxers, a saxophone player, lyricists and poets showcasing their talent. Jean-Baptiste said the event largely focused on bringing the tradition of hip-hop to a larger audience.
“The event exposes and celebrates a piece of hip-hop and African diaspora culture that a lot of people do not typically experience,” Jean-Baptiste said.
Oompa, a hip-hop artist and poet who performed at The Cypher, said it was important that the event included the Greater Boston hip-hop community.
“It gets at the very nature of hip-hop, as it’s very much about community and being in a non-judgemental space,” Oompa said.
Edward D. Ruff Bryant, the host of the evening, talked about how the event allowed for artists and people to celebrate in a non-judgemental space. He said this was crucial, especially today when there is often tension and miscommunication between different communities.
“The Cypher is a space for people of color to voice their beliefs,” Bryant said. “The event is important for people of color, for us to celebrate our roots and also teach non people of color the African experience within America.”
Allegra Mangione, a fifth-year human services and international affairs major at Northeastern University, attended the event and also picked up on some of Bryant’s points about the event being a learning experience for many.
“There is definitely an educational component to the event,” Mangione said.
Richard O’Bryant, the director of the African American Institute, said that music is a very meaningful way for people of color to highlight their culture and experiences. He also said it is necessary for people who are not of color to develop understanding and appreciation for minority communities.
“It is so important for events like this one to happen, as it really helps break down some of the boundaries between people of different cultures,” O’Bryant said.
