Movement is a podcast, radio series and live show that tells stories of global migration through music. Hosted by Ethiopian-American singer Meklit Hadero, the show is a meditation on the large-scale forces at play in individual lives. Issues of citizenship, identity, belonging, and borders are explored through the experiences of artists themselves: two brothers sharing one guitar, a daughter trying on her father’s shoes, the lineage of a drum, and the sounds of a grandmother’s backyard.
The Movement with Meklit Hadero podcast is a remarkable and captivating exploration of music, artistry, and personal journeys. Hosted by the talented musician Meklit Hadero herself, this podcast delves into the stories and experiences of various artists, uncovering the profound depth behind their music. Through thoughtful and engaging interviews, Meklit brings music and sound to life, allowing listeners to appreciate these artists' craft on a whole new level.
One of the best aspects of The Movement is the way in which it shines a light on the backstories of artists. By understanding their influences, instincts, challenges, and triumphs, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for their music. The podcast takes us on a journey through each artist's unique path, highlighting the different flavors and emotions that emerge from their sounds. This in-depth exploration allows us to connect with the music in a more meaningful way.
Furthermore, Meklit's warmth and ability as an interviewer make her the perfect host for this podcast. She skillfully guides conversations that are both insightful and entertaining. Her genuine curiosity about each artist's artistry and personal transnational histories creates an intimate atmosphere that draws out compelling stories. Through these conversations, we learn how an artist's background shapes their music and discover new perspectives on creativity.
While The Movement offers many strengths, one could argue that its length is its weakest aspect. With episodes typically under 30 minutes long, some listeners may find themselves wanting more from each interview. However, it can also be seen as an advantage as it allows for short bursts of immersive experiences that can be enjoyed even during busy schedules.
In conclusion, The Movement with Meklit Hadero is a podcast that carries spirit with its conversations and stories. It provides a window into the world of musicians and offers moving personal narratives alongside beautiful music. Meklit's ability to guide these discussions creates a sense of connection between listeners and artists' journeys. Overall, this podcast is a precious gift that enriches our appreciation for music and reminds us of the power of storytelling.
The LA-based folk musician Annahstasia was “discovered” by the music industry when she was just 17, but the backing of a label wasn't the breakthrough she'd imagined. The breakthrough had to come from within.
How do we turn pain into empathy? Meklit talks with Liberian-American singer Mon Rovîa about his long journey to doing just that.
Bashar Al Assad, Syria's brutal dictator, has fled the country -- opening a new and uncertain chapter after more than a decade of Civil War. Meklit speaks with the Syrian electronic composer Samer Saem Eldahr (otherwise known as Hello Psychaleppo) about how that conflict changed his life and music.
Diana Gameros was living in the US in 2010 when her home city of Juarez, Mexico became known as one of the most dangerous places on Earth. She was undocumented at the time; she couldn't travel back and forth even to see family. In this episode Diana tells the story of what it meant to finally go back and perform in Juarez after many years away.
Chhom Nimol of the band Dengue Fever tells the harrowing story of the 22 night she spent in an immigration detention facility.
Meklit talks with Tunisian singer Emel Mathlouthi about the moment that turned her into a viral sensation and the voice of a revolution -- but also about what it means to move beyond the shadow of that one moment.
Adi Oasis released an album and had a baby in the same year -- she thought it would be the end of her music career, but it's been the opposite. Adi and Meklit talk about the challenges of being a mama musician, and how motherhood changed how they see their own sense of place.
Cheakaity is a DC-based soul singer who was brought into the world with a weighty name: the one who breaks unbreakable things. He talks with Meklit about lineage, prophecies and the fear of living a life unfulfilled.
Victoria Ruiz fronts the leftist punk band Downtown Boys, and has spent her career walking the line between pragmatism and idealism -- often in extremely visible settings, and often with painful consequences.
Fanny was the first all-women band to release a record on a major label, in 1970. Meklit talks with lead guitarist June Millington about the incredible pressures of navigating the industry at that time and how parts of their story were never fully told.
Helado Negro has released 13 records in 15 years. He joins Meklit to talk about how the immigrant work ethic plays out in the arts, and Meklit wonders: is it good that we work this much?
Buscabulla got the kind of lucky break most artists only dream about: the chance to record with the biggest artist in the world. But what happens after the lightning strikes -- can they channel its energy?
Sid Sriram wanted to make it big in the American music industry, so when got an opportunity to live and work in India as a singer for hit films, he wasn't sure he would take it. Meklit talks with Sid about his breakout album Sidharth, playing Coachella, and how he needed that time in India to find his way in the US.
New York City is a city of immigrants, but right now that ethos and identity is being tested like never before. Meklit talks with Mafer Bandola, a Venezuelan musician who made the city her home, and then found herself on the front lines of the ongoing 'migrant crisis.'
Daymé Arocena has one of the most stunning voices in music today. But when Meklit heard Daymé's latest album, Alkemi, she could tell something dramatic had changed. Her voice had changed, and Daymé had changed too. Learn more about Movement at: https://www.movementstories.com/
Art is a form of self-expression. A lot of people say that, but for tap dance virtuoso Gerson Lanza it was literally true. Plus a teaser of what's to come on the new season of Movement with Meklit Hadero. Look out for new episodes through the summer and fall. Learn more about Movement at https://www.movementstories.com/
Tatiana Crespo introduces us to her accordion Lindo, plus a busking adventure that changed her life. This story was recorded live on stage at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. More about Tatiana: https://www.taticrespoarte.com/
Cromwell Ojeda and his brother grew up in Dubai — two Filipino kids in an expat family — but now his brother is moving to Canada where their family can finally gain citizenship. Meklit talks with Cromwell about what it's like to make music and community in a place where people tend to come and go. Follow Cromwell: https://www.instagram.com/muhaisnahfour/?hl=en More about Movement: https://movementstories.com/
In part two of our series on path breaking artists in the United Arab Emirates, Meklit talks with Syrian singer and producer Ghaliaa about how a complete collapse of confidence led to her latest record. More about Ghaliaa: https://www.ghaliaaofficial.com/ More about Movement: https://movementstories.com/
When Mustafa Mohamed Ismail -- AKA Freek -- was 10 years old, he learned that he had no citizenship in the only country he'd ever known. And if he wanted to stay, he'd have to find a job. More about Freek: https://www.youtube.com/@thefreektv More about Movement: https://movementstories.com/
Meklit talks with Mexican-American singer San Cha about how she fell in love with Ranchera — a style of music that represented all the cultural values, sexual repression and stigma that she had once tried to escape. More about San Cha: https://www.churchofsancha.com/ More about Movement: https://movementstories.com/
Meklit talks with oud virtuoso Clarissa Bitar about the doubts she overcame just to pick up the instrument, and the incredible response from her family when they realized she could actually play. More about Clarissa: https://clarissabitar.com/#/ More about Movement: https://movementstories.com/
Meklit talks with Cambodian-American singer Chhom Nimol about her long musical journey from performing on Cambodia's first televised singing competition, to joining the band Dengue Fever. They also discuss her personal favorite track from the band's new album — an ode to a Cambodian culinary staple, the fermented fish paste prohok. More about Dengue Fever: https://denguefevermusic.com/ More about Movement: https://movementstories.com/
Meklit talks with an old friend — East African retro-pop singer Alsarah —about drawing inspiration from tradition, and making peace with the word “refugee.” Watch the “Farasha” video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaN9ELG4p4g More about Movement: https://movementstories.com/
Meklit talks with Egyptian-American MC Felukah, about how moving to the birthplace of hip-hop transformed her from poet to rapper. More about Felukah: https://www.felukah.com/ More about Movement: https://movementstories.com/
Meklit talks with Sasami Ashworth about her acclaimed record “Squeeze,” and how it fits within a larger cycle of creation, restoration and self-discovery. More about Sasami: https://sasamiashworth.com/ More about Movement: https://movementstories.com/
Meklit talks with the Belgian-based dance-pop duo of Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul about taking their new record out on the road, and wondering how some of its humor and provocation might be received in different parts of the world. More on Charlotte and Bolis: https://charlotteandbolis.com/ More on Movement: https://movementstories.com/
On the island commonly known as “Guam," July 21st is commonly known as "Liberation Day.” But for Dakota Camacho, a Seattle-based artist who traces their lineage to the island, these simple terms hold a world of history and complexity. More about Dakota: https://www.dakotacamacho.com/ More about Movement: https://movementstories.com/
Meklit talks with Gino Yevdjevich, lead singer of the gypsy punk band Kultur Shock, about the need to create art, especially when the world is at its darkest. More about Kulture Shock: http://www.kulturshock.com/ More about Movement: https://movementstories.com/
Momma Nikki speaks and sings about a complicated relationship with their father, who immigrated to the US from Haiti. The story was recorded live on stage at the Meany Center for the Performing arts at the University of Washington. More about Momma Nikki: https://www.mommanikki.com/ More about Movement: https://www.mommanikki.com/ More about Meklit Hadero: https://www.meklitmusic.com/
Larry Bellorín is a legend of Venezuelan Llanera music; Joe Troop is a bluegrass virtuoso from North Carolina. Meklit talks with this unlikely duo about the social forces and serendipity that brought them together. Find all of Larry & Joe's music at https://www.larryandjoe.com/ Learn more about Movement at https://movementstories.com/ More about Meklit at https://www.meklitmusic.com/
Meklit talks with Nnamdi Ogbonaya about making music that draws the listener in, while at the same time challenging them. His new album is called "Please Have a Seat." Find all of NNAMDI's music at https://nnamdi.bandcamp.com/ Learn more about Movement at https://movementstories.com/ More about Meklit at https://www.meklitmusic.com/
Meklit talks with Xenia Rubinos about finding her way back to the stage after a long and difficult time away. Find all of Xenia's music at: https://www.xeniarubinos.com/ Learn more about Movement at https://movementstories.com/ More about Meklit at https://www.meklitmusic.com/
Meklit talks with Cuban-American percussionist and bandleader Jesus Díaz about his journey from playing homemade drums in Havana to performing on the biggest stages in the world. Find all of Jesus's music at http://www.jesusdiazqba.com/ Learn more about Movement at https://movementstories.com/ More about Meklit at https://www.meklitmusic.com/
Meklit talks with Sudanese-American MC Oddisee about self-doubt and the power of empathy, along with his new album "To What End." Find all of Oddisee's music at https://oddisee.bandcamp.com Learn more about Movement at https://movementstories.com/ More about Meklit at https://www.meklitmusic.com/
Hear episodes of Movement every other Tuesday, starting April 11th. For about the show and live events, go to movementstories.com
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