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 chaos, Venus blooms.

Societal progression sits on the shoulders of Black women both aesthetically and politically. What does this birth constitute in physical form?

Zekkereya El-magharbel is an interdisciplinary artist currently living in Los Angeles. They have been a member of the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra (Los Angeles) for almost 10 years and have worked/studied with luminaries such as Angel Bat Dawid, Tyshawn Sorey, Corey Smythe, Jaimie Branch, Steve Lehman, and George Lewis to name a few. Their main instrument is trombone and are currently conducting research on North African Maqam and adjacent sonic modalities.