iAM Editor Jack Litster chats with Mahlikah Awe:ri of Red Slam Collective about music, ancestors and community engagement


iAM: Please tell us about what Red Slam is up to.


Red Slam: Like the wisdom of sweet grass, Red Slam Collective has been braiding poetic words in time with the rhythmic vibrations of soul rock hip hop through SLAM (Spoken Lyricism Arranges Meaning) since 2009. We have evolved from spittin’ poems and rhymes over guitar and drums to a full hip-hop fusion band of MC’s and musicians in the last two years. We are also doing larger national and international music festivals and recordings.


iAM: What are some of the most important issues that Red Slam addresses in the art that you make?


Red Slam: My lyrics speak to the struggles of First Nations people within mainstream society as well as my own personal struggles balancing indigenous/ traditional values with Western/contemporary ones. Red Slam’s catalogue consists of original music created by the original people of Turtle Island. The themes and narratives presented in our music are rooted from the importance of storytelling as a way to share our voice through generations. Topics flow from land claims, police brutality, music, prophecies, relationships, self- empowerment, gender equality, 7th Gen, being gifted and lifted, rez life, urban life, racism, inter-tribal unity and enjoying life.


Photo: Red Slam Collective 4 iAM


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