Award-winning artists celebrate the West African griot tradition through music and storytelling

Highlighting Black talent is the central mission of the second annual We Black Folk Fest at Club Passim in Cambridge, a two-day festival in February honoring the West African griot tradition through concerts and artist talks.

Digital media artist, musician and organizer Cliff Notez curated We Black Folk Fest: Griot Gatherings in collaboration with their company HipStory and BAMS Fest. A griot is a West African storyteller, poet, historian and often musician. That tradition is honored here with the blending of music, discussion and storytelling.

“Griot Gatherings is an event where storytellers, musicians, poets and community innovators from the African diaspora come together to share their wisdom, experiences and traditions,” said Notez, We Black Folk initiative founder. “The program celebrates the diverse contributions of modern griots in shaping both cultural heritage and future innovation.”

The weekend features award-winning artists including Kemp Harris, Grace Givertz, Cinnamoon, Zion Rodman, Kayla Blackburn, Devon Gates, Chris Walton and Pamela Means as well as former Folk Collective members Notez, Naomi Westwater and Lydia Harrell.

Later in the month, the Opening Our Doors Project will host a song swap and interactive discussion about how to diversify the Boston music scene. Kemp Harris, Zakiyyah, Stephanie McKay, Pamela Means, Reggie Harris and Alastair Moock will perform at the event and participate in the discussion.

Club Passim is a music space that’s been operating in Harvard Square since 1958 and as a nonprofit since 1969. There are live performances nearly every day focusing on folk music across a diverse range of musical traditions.

“When Cliff Notez came up with the idea of the We Black Folk Festival, we knew immediately that this was important,” said Matt Smith, Club Passim’s managing director. “Elevating and celebrating Black voices is not just a great thing to do in the folk music world — it is essential.”

We Black Folk Fest runs Feb. 1 and 2 at Club Passim, located at 47 Palmer. Tickets prices are on a sliding scale with a suggested admission of $20. The Opening Our Doors Project event is February 22. Admission is free but registration is requested.

Both events are intended to celebrate Black artistry and move forward the needle of diversity in artistic space within Boston.

“Black History Month is an opportunity to highlight Black artistry, storytelling and expression in folk music, reflecting Passim’s commitment to honoring cultural traditions that enrich the genre,” said Shea Rose, curator of music and culture at Club Passim.

“By recognizing these contributions, Passim honors the past and helps shape a future where folk music fully embraces the depth, diversity and humanity of its creators.”

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Learn more at passim.org