I'm Amani

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Amani O+ is a luminary being—a raptivist, grower, and radical educator—whose soul resonates with the rhythms of artistic expression and project-based learning. Their life has been a tapestry of activism, woven with threads of courage and a relentless pursuit of justice.

 

From the tender age of four, when they delivered a Welcome Address, effortlessly embodying the spirit of Rosa Parks in a pre-Kindergarten play, Amani knew that their purpose was to change the world.

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In the crucible of youth, they clashed with their family, who deemed the task insurmountable—a world too vast, and their presence too insignificant. But Amani, undeterred by doubt, nurtured an unwavering determination to prove otherwise.

 

Throughout their college years, they earned the affectionate nickname "The Advocate," for their unyielding commitment to justice, empathy, and fostering unity amidst the tapestry of diversity.

In their twenties, Amani set forth on a transformative journey, a voyage navigated through the realms of music and poetry. They became a beacon, wielding words as weapons of awakening. The Alt Magazine, recognizing their fiery spirit, dubbed them "a spitfire poet-activist who wants to lead a revolution," an acknowledgment that made them feel seen.

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Through their art, Amani O+ channels the heartbeat of the oppressed, painting vivid portraits of racial justice, gender equity, environmental ethics, and the sacred bond that unites all souls. Their melodies ripple through the air, stirring dormant emotions, and awakening the collective conscience.

 

For over a decade, Amani has orchestrated harmonies of protest, empowering others to envision and strive for a world where joy, purpose, love, and prosperity transcend the barriers of gender, skin color, ability and economic status. In their mellifluous voice, they aim for all bodies and beings to find solace.

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But Amani's canvas extends far beyond the stage, reaching the fertile grounds of education. They employ their art as a catalyst for learning, imparting wisdom in classrooms, community centers, conferences, parks, and amidst the fervor of protests. Their teachings intertwine the strands of history, resistance, and the audacity to reclaim power. They beckon the dormant activist within each soul, bridging chasms of prejudice to foster empathy and kindle the fires of collective responsibility.

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In the rich tapestry of Amani's life, collaborations have flourished, as they co-founded the raptivist duo, KATANI, with their cherished partner in music and spirit, Kat SoPoetic. Together, they craft melodies that defy misogyny, enlighten minds, and ignite unity, earning the esteemed title of Best Hip-Hop Artists in the NY Capital Region at the inaugural Thomas Edison Capital Region Music Awards.

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The birth of B.L.A.C.K. Label and the B.L.A.C.K. Party marked another milestone in Amani's journey—a collective of artists committed to curating safe spaces that honor the narratives of Black people and people of color. Within these sacred gatherings, they nurture a world where love, creativity, and freedom intermingle, painting kaleidoscopic vistas of possibility.

 

Amani O+ has graced countless stages, seizing the spotlight with an effortless grace. Their performances have blossomed through music videos, stage plays, and illuminating documentaries, leaving an indelible mark upon the hearts of all who bear witness. They partake in events that nurture community, dismantling the isolation forged by discrimination and systemic bondage. In the chambers of their heart, they conjure verses that spark a cultural and emotional revolution, serving as a resounding radio for love and healing. Their melodies an elixir of transformation, broadcasting messages of liberation and unity.

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Beyond the limelight, Amani's tireless dedication extends to dismantling racism and injustice within the food system. Rooted in Brooklyn and Troy, NY, they have spent years cultivating a harmonious blend of art, history, and food, illuminating pathways to sovereignty and equity in the local and global food landscape. Their influence reverberates across the nation, collaborating with esteemed organizations, educational institutions, and passionate communities to inspire change.

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Amani O+—a luminary, a poet, an abolitionist—words' ripple through their veins. Their essence beckons others to embrace their own magic, trust their visions, and unleash their unique gifts upon the world. In their presence, hope flourishes, hearts awaken, and the collective spirit finds solace. Amani O+ is a testament to the power of artistry in the pursuit of a just, harmonious and FREE ASS existence. 

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Raptivist, grower, and radical educator, Amani O+ combines artistic expression and project-based learning to build curriculum, curate events, and facilitate workshops and dialogue. 

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In 2016, Amani O+ co-founded the raptivist duo KATANI with their best friend & music partner Kat SoPoetic. KATANI makes misogyNAH (anti-misogynoir) music that educates, uplifts and unites, with a specific focus on those of us invisibilized by systems of oppression. KATANI was named Best Hip-Hip Artists in the NY Capital Region at the Thomas Edison Capital Region Music Awards.

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In 2017 Amani founded B.L.A.C.K. Label and the B.L.A.C.K. Party (Black Lives A Creative Kaleidoscope) is a collective of artists committed to curating safe events that honor and celebrate people of color's stories and bring forth the world they wish to live, love, and create within. B.L.A.C.K. Label is home to Amani O+, KATANI, donfons, and a handful of NY creatives who believe in hip hop music as a beacon to shift our shared culture towards collective healing and radical self-care. 

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As Co-SlamMaster of CapCity Slam, (previously the Nitty Gritty Slam) the NY Capital District’s award-winning slam poetry team, Amani has collectively and individually won several competitions, including the Empire State Slam, Queen Elizabeth’s Way Slam and the Toronto International Poetry Slam. Since their theatrical debut in the 2014 suicide awareness UnspokenWord, Amani O+ has written, designed, and appeared at hundreds of events including Lady Fest, the BeatShot Music Festival, and SHE.O.M. sharing the stage with “art-ivist” inspirations: Oshun, Bell’s Roar, Daniel B. Summerhill, D. Colin, Tef Poe, The Peace Poets, Taina Asili, Monica McIntyre and more. 

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Amani O+ has starred in and co-directed music videos, stage plays, and documentaries and frequently participates in events that encourage community building and intentionally fight against the isolation of discrimination and systemic slavery. In 2015, with the help of the Yoni Coven Press, Amani O+ self-published Here We Are At The Gate, the first of the four-part REBELUTIONARY series. Amani curates custom workshops and forums for all audiences that celebrate creativity and the value of vulnerability, communication, and collaboration.

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Off-stage, Amani has spent many of their recent 4 years working to ending racism and injustice in the food system. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Amani moved upstate for trees and college and was drawn to food justice in 2014 through a string of community based efforts towards freedom from oppression. Amani’s work includes curating educational experiences on and off the land that blend art, history and food to illuminate pathways to sovereignty and equity in our local and global food system. This can take the form of spoken word, workshops, keynote speeches and more.

 

Amani has presented and collaborated with organizations, students and neighbors across the country including Bard College, Middlebury College, the Chicago Food Policy Summit, the Harvard Ed Portal, the Northeast Organic Farming Association and the People's Music Network. In 2020 Amani co-founded Rested Root a worker owned cooperative helping groups root out how interpersonal and systemic oppression is manifesting within their teams or projects and transform those dynamics into generative opportunities for growth and transformation.

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Raptivist, spoken word artist, and abolitionist, Amani is driven to uplift love, art & service as necessary expressions of rebellion, against a sense of disconnection and hopelessness that threatens our collective peace and wellness. Amani aims to inspire all those they come into contact with to remember their magic, trust their vision and share their unique gifts with the world.