Atlanta’s Black Pride Weekend Hits New Milestone with Global Black Pride Hosting
Atlanta – Black Pride Weekend is in full swing, bringing exciting news for the first-ever hosting of Global Black Pride. The city’s vibrant celebration of diversity kicked off with an energetic performance by local resident and alternative R&B musician, Cello/Phn (pronounced: Cellophane), at Piedmont Park on Saturday, August 31.
Special Performance by Cello/Phn
Returning to the music scene after a two-year hiatus, Cello/Phn debuted his latest single, Fennin’, a track he describes as having more sexual undertones than his previous works. The Atlanta-based artist expressed a mix of excitement and nerves ahead of his performance, noting that performing at Global Black Pride means more to him than any other event. “My music is something I’m passionate about,” he shared.
The Journey Back to Music
Cello/Phn, originally from New Orleans, began his musical journey about three to four years ago. With influences such as Steve Lacy, Prince, Lenny Kravitz, Maxwell, and even Taylor Swift, Cello/Phn’s unique sound and style have continued to evolve. Reflecting on his latest single, he said, “It’s about meeting someone and being so infatuated you want to be under their skin. It’s relatable, as everyone has feigned for someone at some point in life.”
The Significance of Global Black Pride
For Cello/Phn, being a Queer artist performing at Global Black Pride holds profound emotional significance. He emphasized the value of representation within the LGBTQ+ community, stating, “What makes my music Queer is me, because I’m Queer enough. It’s very interesting how the LGBTQ+ community is represented by a rainbow, but we often only see specific colors in the media.” He feels his music fits within the less represented shades of that rainbow, highlighting the need for broader representation.
Reflecting on Progress and Challenges
When asked about the two-year gap between his last project What Happened to Monday? and his newest release, Cello/Phn explained that he needed time to recalibrate. The success of his previous work, which charted impressively on iTunes, prompted a period of self-discovery and body transformation. He shared, “I went through a period of changing my body, losing weight, getting more in touch with myself.”
His upcoming project, The Monday Blues, embodies the lessons and changes of the past two years. Describing it as more vocal and dynamic, he said, “There’s a lot more movement. Now, I’m moving around the stage and moving my body because, before, I was heavier, but now I need to move more.”
The Challenges Faced
Cello/Phn also touched on recent troubling events within the community, including vandalism of the Pride flag. “It’s unfortunate as we move forward in society, we’re still facing homophobia and physical violence just from existing,” he said. However, he remains hopeful that someday people will mind their own business and allow others to live freely.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
For those looking to chase their dreams, Cello/Phn’s advice is simple yet powerful: find your why. “When you have a why, that extends to being a purpose, and when you have your purpose, no one can change that,” he advised.
As Atlanta continues to celebrate Black Pride Weekend and the inaugural hosting of Global Black Pride, residents and visitors alike look forward to the array of events and performances that highlight the city’s commitment to diversity and community spirit.
Stay tuned for more news and exclusive interviews from the eventful weekend.
