Black is Beautiful-Nicholas Payton, Marcus Gilmore, Black Is Beautiful Experience, Sikolo Brathwaite

We’re excited to debut our first studio video, filmed in 2022, alongside the single “Black Is Beautiful,” now available on streaming platforms. Composed by Nicholas Payton, the track is the title piece from the upcoming debut album by Black Is Beautiful Experience — a curated multi-artist project developed through Rhymshot in collaboration with the Kwame Brathwaite Archive. Inspired by photographer and activist Kwame Brathwaite’s iconic portrait of his wife and original Grandassa Model Sikolo Brathwaite, the piece honors the enduring influence of the Black Is Beautiful movement and the pioneering Grandassa Models, who redefined beauty standards in the 1960s by embracing natural Black beauty. Featuring the powerful spoken word of Sikolo Brathwaite, the recording brings together Marcus Gilmore, a Black woman-led string ensemble, and Brandee Younger (appearing courtesy of Impulse! Records). In recognition of Women’s History Month, this release pays tribute to the Black women artists who used art and fashion as tools of empowerment and expression, laying the foundation for generations to celebrate Black beauty and heritage. — Nicholas Payton — Producer, Composer, Arranger, Trumpet, Bass, Rhodes Marcus Gilmore — Drums Brandee Younger — Harp (courtesy of Impulse! Records) Vicente Archer — Bass Chiara Fasi — Violin Eric Cooper — Violin Jessica McJunkins — Violin Tia Allen — Viola Executive Producer & Director: Brandon Baker © Rhymshot LLC All rights reserved. No part of this video may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission. Rhymshot.com