Wrapped in all white with swaddled hair, Tanisha Carter gave new life to the ancestors as she kicked off her Yeye: A One-Woman Journey performance series at T.B. Smith Community Center in Richmond, VA. Yeye, which is the Yoruba word for mother, marks the beginning of her next evolution as an influential artist, poet, and woman of color.   

Entering with offerings of food in hand and the mood set, Ms. Carter captivated those in attendance with her soul quenching poetry and knowledge. Utilizing her skills as a master orator, the nationally published poet commanded the attention of the room as she piloted guest through a journey of realization and reorganized thinking. Yeye Carter invited us in with intimate poems which at times felt more like scriptures of a life well lived or the stories of a seasoned Jeli.

Poised with the strength and presence of an African Queen, her powerful narrative lead to an engaging performance illustrated by her depth and detail. Shying away from judgment she managed to question societies quick acceptance of religion, false history, and truth. Reminding us of our sun-kissed skin and deeply rooted heritage, Carter skillfully challenged the invite-only audience to embrace a new line of black thought in place of colonized propaganda. 

Under the radiating thud of drums, Mama Carter effortlessly transformed from plain face beauty to face painted warrior queen. Now ready for battle, she chased down racist inaccuracies and liberated the crowd with reclaimed inner beauty. While entertaining questions she was asked about her views and she simply responded, “We should look at everything we’ve been taught through a different lens, a black lens.”

Yeye: A One-Woman Journey is one of those rejuvenating performances you hear about but rarely witness. Throughout her performance, Tanisha embodied the true essence of a Griot, historically known in African culture as a traveling artist or storyteller.  With shows up and down the east coast, Yeye Carter shared plans of future growth as she pursues additional funding. If more funding is secured, Tan envisions a wider scope of material, more performers, and adding more tour dates to help elevate her platform and for a more enriching experience. Carter’s next performance will be a live recording featured on #UnEdited’s “Sessions Series,” a nationally viewed webcast that features established and budding artist in stripped-down performances.