BOMS by Razteria

Baidi Kamagate

The injustice of so many lives lost to police brutality -  I am at a loss for words, but I can share this song BOMS (blood of my soul). Profits from streaming will be added to my monthly contribution to the Equal Justice Initiative (https://eji.org), and if it is ever licensed (big money) profits will also be donated. Please find an organization to donate to if you can. I am reposting this list of charities, other actions you can take as well as a list of legal resources (credit: instagram.com/botanicaldyke). 

https://linktr.ee/renaymusic

BOMS, a love song, which for me represents the beautiful vulnerability we each feel when we love unconditionally. It came as a stream of consciousness three years ago, and developed into this orchestra of intense sound. BOMS is dedicated to the lives needlessly lost to police brutality in this racist society, especially those of black men and women. Here are a few of their names. I know many many more have gone unnoticed by the media, but they are not forgotten. 

Say their names. #georgefloyd #breonnataylor #ahmaudarbery #sandrabland #michaelbrown #ericgarner #oscargrantiii #trayvonmartin #amadoudiallo #rekiaboyd #tamirrice #alexnieto  #aiyanajones #jonathanakeempairreferrell #johncrawford #ramarleygraham #kendrecmcdade #ousmanezongo #kathrynjohnston  #eugeneejikeobiora  #tarikawilson #seanbell #philandocastile #terencecrutcher #freddygray #endwhitesupremacy  #stoppolicebrutality #blacklivesmatter #brownlivesmatter #boms

I am so grateful for the collaboration for the cover art with Baidi Kamagate / Le noir Photographie (model and photographer) as well as the musicians that helped bring it to life. Kora by Yacouba Diarra, cuatro by Jackelyn Rago, live drums by Jayme Arredondo, all other instruments/vocals/mix by me, and mastered by Trakworx.

We are getting to the breaking point, the climax. The acute pandemic together with the chronic disease of injustice. Overt racism demonstrated time and time again through policy brutality and in the criminal "in"justice system. Racism embedded deep into societal infrastructure is so blatantly clear with this pandemic which is impacting disproportionately black and brown communities, in morbidity and mortality, due to unequal access to health services, unequal treatment and poorer health overall. We need to take advantage of this moment in time to make a lasting systemic change. I think we are ready.

I want to share my gratitude for everyone out there who are on the frontlines, the healthcare workers, the service industry workers, those protesting, and putting their lives on the line to make sure voices are heard, and who are taking care of the majority of us in this new reality. Please take care of yourselves. I love you.