The 92nd Street Y will showcase Karen Slack & Kevin Miller in the performance of “African Queens.”

This concert will take place on March 11, 2025, at Buttenwieser Hall at The Arnhold Center and will also be available for online streaming.

Karen Slack, a Grammy Award winner and recipient of the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, will present the New York debut of her newly commissioned work, “African Queens.” This original piece features newly composed art songs that highlight the legacies of seven influential African queens throughout history, women who were respected as rulers yet often overlooked in the Western world.

The performance will include eight new songs composed specifically for Slack by both African and American musicians, including Jasmine Barnes, Damien Geter, Jessie Montgomery, Shawn Okpebholo, Dave Ragland, Carlos Simon, and Joel Thompson. These composers are part of the Blacknificent 7, a musical collective formed by Karen Slack herself. The event will also feature a special appearance by Will Liverman.

The lyrics for the featured songs were written by Lorene Cary, Alicia Haymer, Tsitsi Ella Jaji, Deborah D.E.E.P Mouton, and Jay Saint Flono, who collaborated on the creative aspects of the African Queens project.

The "African Queens" project aims to amplify the voices and stories of these historical figures, whose contributions have often been overshadowed. Through music, Karen Slack and her collaborators are bringing these powerful women's legacies to light, celebrating their strength, wisdom, and leadership.

The concert promises to be a unique fusion of rich history and modern musical expression, offering a deep, immersive experience for the audience. By blending classical traditions with contemporary African and American influences, the performance highlights the diverse cultural tapestry that shaped these queens' worlds.

The evening will not only be a celebration of African heritage but also an exploration of how art can reclaim and honor history. With the talented artists and composers involved, “African Queens” is set to be an unforgettable experience that merges history, culture, and powerful voices in a way that honors the past while inspiring the future.