Zekkereya & 1Alkebylan

1Alkebulan, FKA Alem Worldwide, is an interdisciplinary musician from Washington, D.C. Hailing from Ethiopia by way of Nîmes, France, 1Alkebulan’s eclectic vision spans many mediums, primarily through beat production and vocal performance. Reminiscent of late century collage, 1Alkebulan’s sampling style contextualizes their modality without the pontification many attribute to experimentalism. 

Their first album ‘Sun RZA’ (2023) delves into the grieving process as it relates to the first-generation African immigrant. 1Alkebulan has been featured in Vogue, Afropunk, Pitchfork, The Cut & Noisey for their whimsical approach to streetwear. They brought soup to the cold, ice cream to the warm, all around they’re pretty neat. 

‘Re: Birth of Venus’ is a sage toned reemergence of unapologetic, transgressive existence via shibari bondage. Birth through deconstruction and observation. 

Venus does not appear jovial when she emerges from her shell as she confounds those who demand her undying empathy. Embodying softness, distance, a gentle, alluring…