Javeon Byrd At Rose Quartz 

Seattle Drummer Javoen Byrd aka Tunji Awodi, was back in  Seatown this weekend. I was blessed to host him at Rose Quartz during his busy four day stay. Javoen was in town to perform with Northwest tap Connection at the Moore Theater in Downtown Seattle . Javoen was mostly raised in the South Seattle New Holly neighborhood. He recalls New Holly as being a Mecca of African cultures. While others may only think of the gangs and violence, Javoen has positive  memories of growing up in the Southend that inspired him to seek out more in life beyond the boundaries of the Pacific Northwest.




That's me second left on stage with Javoen in 2011

For the past few years he has been living and studying in Africa and most recently Louisiana. Next step is getting his Ph.D. Yes he has decided to go all the way! We had a great time building on topics such as Gentrification, Yoruba,the Chakras and Traditional healing.  We also  discussed the differences in the nightlife and dating scene, Seattle vs. New Orleans.


Javoen In Nigeria

 New Orleans just might be the place to be according to Javoen, especially if you love people, culture and a laid back environment. At any rate its great to see a old friend making new moves in the right direction. This young brother is really down for the future. He brought up some good points about more of us continuing our educations in the  sciences and getting our Doctorate Degrees. Apparently alot of programs will pay your way if you study math or the sciences, which includes psychology. Not a bad idea at all. By the way he is really heating things up with his drumming! His study and practice in Nigeria of the complex Yuroba Bata rhythms along with performing and teaching in Louisiana have enhanced the natural skills we know him for. As he moves towards mastery we got our eyes on Javoen aka Tunji Awodi!  His life story thus far is a positive message: Let's keep growing and elevating ourselves by any means possible. Inquiries and Positive Explorations can really build a successful life.

Author and Artist, Emily Imani Yamenita Rose Quartz