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Nouveaux Afro™

(season 1)

Episode 1: Pandemic Escape

The pilot episode is hosted by Quami the Entertainer and features DJ Novena Carmel, singer/songwriter Mataji Booker Graham, poet Kaelyn Wilson, artist Aiseborn, choreographers Lula Washington and Tamica Washington-Miller with the Lula Washington Dance Theatre, and musical group Universe X & the Apostles of Funk.

Episode 2: Pandemic Blues

Hosted by Quami the Entertainer, this show features DJ Novena Carmel, actor/poet Carla Vega, artist the late Norman Maxwell, vocalist Maya Sykes, the Lula Washington Dance Theatre, and musical group the Marcus Miller Ensemble.

Episode 3: The Youth

Still hosted by Quami the Entertainer, this episode shines the spotlight on the Youth! Featured artists include vocalist Ella Tabu, stand up comic Ronnie Ravens, the artist Nelan-Ay Miller, the Lula Washington Dance Theatre Youth Dance Ensemble, and the Truth Troop featuring pianist Veritus Miller.

Episode 4: Beads & Beats

In this episode entitled Beads & Beats…L.A. to LA (and yes, still hosted by Quami the Entertainer), the first live audience since the start of the 2020 Pandemic is treated to the sounds of Marcus L. Miller’s Afro-Fusion Project featuring Big Chief Shaka Zulu.

Episode 5: The I.E. Special

Episode 5 shines the spotlight on the Inland Empire of Southern California. The Arts group Panoply is the featured artist.

Episode 6: the Pharaoh Tribute

Episode 6 celebrates the music of the late Pharaoh Saunders with a music and dance tribute by the Lula Washington Dance Theatre & the Marcus Miller Ensemble featuring special guests Kamasi Washington, Dwight Trible, Maiya Sykes, Jennifer Sparks, & Leon Mobley.

Episode 7: Drum Church

Episode 7 is a celebration of World Indigenous Peoples Day. The event is called Drum Church and features artist/percussionist Marcus L. Miller & Project World Drum with the late, great Derf Reklaw on vocals and percussion.

Episode 8: the Concert For Peace & Humanity

Coming later in 2024…Episode 8, The Concert For Peace & Humanity. This concert features musical artist Marcus L. Miller’s compositions written for vocalists Dwight Trible and Nailah Porter. Featured musicians include Mehdi Bagheri, Ava Hahas, Katia Hage, Eric Wilson, Bobby Pierce, Nyofu Tyson, Mark Tyson, David Leach, Yunus, & Anikulapo.

 reflections wITH elders series

The elders are usually the wisest of us because they have been around the longest and seen and experienced a myriad of things. From their shared stories, we can learn history and get a better sense of what the moment was really like. Here is a collection of stories that some elders have shared with me. I hope you enjoy and learn as I have from those who came before us.

Episode 1 features the drummer& teacher.

the late Mr. Clarence Johnston

Episode 2 features legendary jazz musician the organist.

Mr. Bobby Pierce

Episode 3 features the Godmother of Watts.

Ms. Ozie Gonzague

Episode 4 features the Renaissance woman.

Ms. Bette Braxton

Episode 5 features a Los Angeles artistic treasure.

the late Roderick Sykes

Episode 6 features the Compton Original.

Mr. Charles Dickson

Episode 7 features Watts drummer and drum maker.

Mr. Harold Lott

Episodes 8 & 9 features the Artist & Activist

Ms. Nobuko Miyamoto

documentaries

Kemetology

The study (or story) of the original, first civilization of people who inhabited the earth and it's generations of descendants. The Kemetic peoples (4236 B.C.E.) predated the Egyptians civilization (3500 B.C.E.) by over 700 years. Proof of their existence was left in stone carvings and sculptures throughout various parts of the world. We are the living proof of their existence in our genetic makeup. This is who we are and what we do!

This Land

A geographic look at the place referred to as the land of liberty. Before an upcoming cross country trip on Rte 66, Miller decided to document the journey and present a pictorial view of what some of North America may have looked like 500+ years ago. This is partly what attracted the early explorers... the barbarians who would later come and pillage the land from its native inhabitants and in their wake, destroy 1/5 of the world's population.

Survivor’s Series

A look at America's growing homeless population and how they are managing to stay alive in 2019. The documentary depicts the struggles that the homeless face and in a candid interview, they speak to their plight and current state of circumstance. Despite all the odds and adversity, they remain steadfast and determined to survive and endure until the end.

I Spy America

The second part of the Survivors series. This music mini doc shines a light on the plight of homeless Americans in search of shelter. It doesn't matter where the space is if it can be reached. Homeless are living in orange groves, parks, along highways, and under overpasses. The unfortunate consequence is a blithe of trash and debris. This just shows the need for more compassionate assistance for a growing group of people who are suffering to survive.

We Are The Drum

A documentary about Project World Drum. Artist/percussionist started the group in 2010 and this film spotlights some of the group's accomplishments and performances. The group is based in Los Angeles and features some notable percussionists and drummers in the industry. The film is a celebration of the drumming cultures throughout the world. The drum has helped connect us all throughout the world.

West Afri-(LA)

West Afri-(LA) is a six part documentary series from producer/director Marcus L. Miller. This series highlights the inception of the West African drum & dance culture on the West Coast of North America in the early 1970’s. The documentary features candid interviews from various members of the Los Angeles and Bay Area communities.

master class

[history lessons]

Big Chief Shaka Zulu

This episode features a special Master Class with Big Chief Shaka Zulu of New Orleans, LA.

Lee J. Bennett

This episode features a special Master Class with Lee J. Bennett of Charleston, SC.

fode cissoko

This episode features a special Master Class with fode Cissoko of Senegal.

jackie michael

This episode features a special Master Class with Jackie Michael of Charleston, SC.

profiles in dance

Feature 1:

Tamica Washington-Miller moderates a one-on-one sit down with Ms. Joan Myers-Brown of the Philadelphia Dance Company (PhilaDanco).

Feature 2:

Tamica Washington-Miller moderates a one-on-one sit down with Ms. Anne Williams of the Dallas Black Dance Company.

Feature 3:

Tamica Washington-Miller moderates a one-on-one sit down with Mr. Assane Konte of Kankouran Dance Company.

Feature 4:

Tamica Washington-Miller moderates a one-on-one sit down with Ms. Gaynell Sherrod of Virginia Commonwealth University.

Feature 5:

Tamica Washington-Miller moderates a one-on-one sit down with Mrs. Debbie Blunden-Diggs of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company.

Feature 6:

Tamica Washington-Miller moderates a one-on-one sit down with Ms. Ananya Chattergen of Ananya Dance Company.

Feature 7:

Tamica Washington-Miller moderates a one-on-one sit down with Mrs. Nycole Rae of Dallas Black Dance Company

Feature 8:

Tamica Washington-Miller moderates a one-on-one sit down with Mr. Christopher McDaniel of the School of American Ballet.

Feature 9:

Tamica Washington-Miller moderates a one-on-one sit down with Mr. Bobby Fouther of Portland, Oregon.

Live performances

P.R.a.i.s.e

(Percussive Rhythms Affecting Intense Spiritual Expression)

P.R.A.I.S.E.-2018

The 1st session of P.R.A.I.S.E. featuring Marcus L. Miller with Project World Drum and the Bella Dancers. An immersive 360 VR experience…grab your goggles and go all in!

P.R.A.I.S.E.-2019

The inaugural Afro Beat Dance Party featuring Universe X & the Apostles of Funk. An 360 VR experience…grab your goggles and go be there too!

P.R.A.I.S.E. 2020

The 2nd Afro Beat Dance Party (a.k.a. The pandemic party) features Universe X & the Apostles of Funk with dancers from the Lula Washington Dance Theatre.

house of drums…live!

(featuring Marcus L. Miller w/Project World Drum)

THE DYNAMIC DUO

Percussionists David Leach & Marcus L. Miller perform a brief set during the Pandemic of 2020 at the Lula Washington Dance Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.

UNIVERSE X!

A live solo performance by percussionist Marcus L. Miller in Los Angeles, CA.

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