Ear Expansion with Yaw Agyeman

In this episode of Ear Expansion, Yaw delves into his musical journey, influenced by his Ghanaian heritage and his father's diverse record collection. He discusses the evolution of his sound, drawing from experiences in the Chicago Children's Choir, R&B influences, and music from around the globe. Yaw reflects on incorporating the Twi language into his work and addresses the emotional weight in the voices of artists like Donny Hathaway and Nina Simone. He shares insights on his collaborative experiences with Khari Lemuel and Theaster Gates' Black Monks, highlighting the importance of voice and chant in his artistic development. Yaw also explores his engagement with archival materials, turning historical and, at times, grotesque imagery into reflective and transformative music. Personal anecdotes about his family's immigration story and early sound memories further enrich the conversation, illustrating how his past continues to shape his artistry.