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Tahira performed brilliantly at our very first Lower Brandywine Storytelling Festival in 2006. Scheduled to perform for us again in 2009, an accident rendered her unable to perform. (Her friend and colleague Charlotte Blake Alston stepped in for her.) Well, finally we’re privileged to be able to bring Tahira back to our stage for 2011.
Performing original works and lore from African and African American traditions, Tahira is a “Musical-ologist.” She mixes ‘a heaping’ of the spoken word and a fistful of soul-stirring vocals, flavored with rhythmic percussion. She is a caretaker of culture, hoarder of history, and transmitter of tradition.
She brings to her audience messages of courage, hope, and spiritual strength in high-energy performances that delight listeners of all ages. Her mission as an artist is to shed light in dark places to reveal the brilliance of the human spirit.
She has a special affinity for the young.
"Children are like flowers,” Tahira says. “The words EVERY adult speaks to EVERY child should be like rain. It must be given at the right time; must be the right temperature; and always sprinkled with love."
Tahira is a storyteller, poet, vocalist and percussionist with a Bachelor of Arts from Temple University's School of Communication and Theatre. She has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil!
A full time performing artist, Tahira credits her mother for giving her the courage and support to pursue her dreams and her father for instilling her love for her culture. Her message empowers others to think critically, choose wisely, and believe fervently in their ability to succeed.
Her passion for this message comes across clearly in her 2007 book: ‘Journey to Purpose: Simple Guide to Discovering Your Life Purpose.’ Written for those who want to clearly identify their life’s purpose, in order to live life with passion and total fulfillment. The book is built around a set of easy-to-follow steps.
You’ll find the same kind of energy on Tahira’s storytelling CD, ‘Rise to Freedom.’ This collection of stories and songs set to pulsating African rhythms will give you an infectious smile, a lighter heart, and a belief that people can fly.
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