The world lost one of its brightest lights with the death of legend in her own time Maya Angelou early last week at the age of 86. Thankfully, the Renaissance woman left behind a wealth of literature, wisdom and memories to remember her by.
Producer Daz-I-Kue pays tribute to the late icon by taking a reading of one of her best-known works, "Phenomenal Woman," and setting it to music for his "Respect Mix." And it's not just any music, either. It's a shuffling, Fela Kuti-inspired Afrobeat concoction that sways and swings right along with the revered poet's distinctive voice. While one would think that adding such a hot groove to "Phenomenal Woman" would distract from the poem's message, it actually adds to it, enhancing the poem's natural rhythm and making the listener envision Dr. Angelou at the center of a global celebration of womanhood and femininity.Though Dr. Angelou has gone on to dance with the ancestors, we thank Daz-I-Kue for giving us yet another reason to celebrate her genius.
Be prepared to dance in memory of Mother Maya when you press play.
