Black Tag And Their Film That Shows How ‘Black Art Is Black Money’
Ousman Sahko and Akin Adebowale Sow are co-founders of the Black content creation agency Black Tag.
BLACK TAG.
By Cassell Ferere originally published on Forbes.com
Akin Adebowale and Ousman Sahko Sow are co-founders of the Black content creation agency Black Tag. Focusing on alternative Black artists and art, the Black tag brand, style, and approach are steps into the “future of Black content,” as Akin describes it. Black Tag is democratizing content in a way that empowers its viewers, with the help of partners like Issa Rae and Common. This film speaks to various generations disconnected from popular culture.
In their debut, Akin and Ousman have collaborated as business partners on “Black Art Is Black Money,” a film that describes the appropriations of the attributes and elements of Black culture, while suppressing the leaders and representatives of that culture.
Behind the scenes; Actors onset of "Black Art Is Black Money" by Black Tag.
BLACK TAG
In detail, and as fast as any TikTok sequence, “Black Art Is Black Money” highlights notable appropriations throughout time. The film opens up with a rant from Little Richard about stolen identity on stage at a televised award show. Instances of theft of Black culture, from food and fashion to art and science, and even dance and music, are the narrative of this story. Written by Akin and directed by Ousman, this film opens our eyes to what has been evident for too long.
Akin's background extends into computer science and fine art in college and working with African fashion start-up Oxosi, in which he met Ousman at Google Creative Labs. Ousman, who has produced video content for brands like Adidas and Nike, was teaching content creation for Google at the time.
Ousman Sahko and Akin Adebowale Sow are co-founders of the Black content creation agency Black Tag.
BLACK TAG
Akin and Ousman are both born in West Africa and their families have found their way to the United States. Ousman, from Sierra Leone, escaped the atrocities of the “blood diamonds” war, and Akin from Nigeria, noticed the global appropriation of Black culture as he started to absorb an American worldview. This film reflects the sentiment of what Ousman defines as an “academic understanding of what Black is. Not just from the standpoint of the U.S.A., but Africa and Europe. Introducing artifacts - introducing information - [and] getting folks to lean in and learn.”
Black Tag and “Black Art Is Black Money” are delivered from an “academic standpoint. Outside of creating content, it is also teaching us, and [we’re] learning through that process as well,” Ousman states. “Education is the key driver. This is our opinion and here is where we stand - to educate,” Akin affirms.
What Akin and Ousman have done is cataloged Black culture. The creators list the various instances of appropriations and the atrocities that have happened to Black artists, Black money, and the Black influence on pop-culture. “Black Art Is Black money” empowers young Black artists in hopes they “realize [their] power” and keep the issue from getting “[shoved] under the rug,” Akin notes.
A scene from "Black Art Is Black Money" by Black Tag.
BLACK TAG
An example of this on full display as the film opens with that award show where rock n’ roll star Little Richard is on stage standing beside a younger white man, with an arguably similar hairstyle to Little Richard wore during the 40s and 50s. Richard relentlessly berates the man in an unapologetic display of disdain. In dedication, Little Richard is an example of that appropriation and how it is hardly accredited where due, according to the two filmmakers.
That opening scene in “Black Art Is Black Money” sets the tone for a film that juxtaposes the origin of some of the most memorable pop-culture moments that have taken place in mainstream commercial markets with the original version or rendition. A group of friends narrate and catalog the instances of Black cultural appropriations that came without any reparations.
They cycle through the art and references that modern artists have used to create against the examples of Black art. Visual references of those Black art forms grace the screen periodically including works from artists like Picasso.
A scene from "Black Art Is Black Money" by Black Tag.
BLACK TAG.
The film stars notable cultural icons Jalaiah Harmon, Sage Elsesser, Parker Kit Hill, Gabrielle Richardson, Eloisa Santos, and Miski, and exemplifies that "Black culture has been the catalyst for global trends," says a press statement. Continuing, "However, the economic gains from these ideas, works, and trends were felt by already affluent, predominantly white men.”
Ousman says that this film is “letting it be known that we are the creators in this space.” Akin finds that brands have the most to do in finding a remedy to cultural appropriation. As part of the reconciliation, these brands are also held accountable for their diversity and representation. Inclusiveness within their work environment and at the decision-making level is a must with content producers.
Black Tag exists in creating content without conflict, and that understands the narrative of Black artists everywhere. The film will launch on February 9, 2021.
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