Introducing Blaq Pages, ‘Master of Hats’
From Accra to Los Angeles, ‘Master of Hats’ Blaq Pages is quickly making a name for himself in the African diasporic music scene. Born Kwabena Anfo, the 30 year-old ‘business creative’ finds himself the organizer, host, and lead act of many USA-based parties following his move to the country from Ghana 15 years ago. Establishing his brand through event management, emceeing, DJing and producing, Blaq has started conversations in many circles regarding the representation of African diasporic music in America.
“I don’t consider myself a promoter…I consider myself an entrepreneur. I carry many hats.”
Having grown up in choirs, school-based art programmes and influence from a pair of neighbourhood brothers that taught him how to DJ, Blaq Pages has had musical foundation for most of his life. It was in LA however that Blaq decided to take his music more seriously.
“I was in the entertainment hub of the world…but I realized I wasn’t represented where I was from.”
It was at this point almost a decade ago that Blaq made the decision to drop out of college to become the man to “fill in the [representation] gap” and pursue music full time. Fast forward to today, Blaq has helped curate and found Afro Gogo, TRYBVL, Afro Bashment, Afrobeats to the World, and Afrika Gold; organizations and growing events that attempt to unite the African diaspora through a musical experience. These settings are separating Blaq Pages from other business creatives - “Nobody’s doing this African thing,” he notes, “It made me stand out.” These events have not only helped connect the US market to African music, but with having some African artists, including Ladipoe, perform; the market became connected to the artists too. Engaging with audiences constantly throughout the night is one of Blaq’s most significant attributes and intentions, keeping the audience entertained and involved to “learn more about the culture”.
The name ‘Blaq Pages’ stems from wanting to represent “the pages of black diasporic music”, and creating this connection is something Blaq has most aptly achieved. Hoping to release enough music to play it fully at his events, as well as throwing festivals, owning a record label and starting an African food franchise, are just some of Blaq’s goals for the future. And with his intention of keeping African people “connected to their community wherever they are”, these goals are undoubtedly soon to become realities.
Maglera Doe Boy takes us to his hometown of Makazana to reflect on his past life, multicultural upbringing, and why community is such an important part of his enviable rise in the South African music industry.