A native of Los Angeles, poet Kamau Daáood’s career began in the late 1960s as a member of the Watts Writers Workshop and the Pan Afrikan People’s Arkestra under the direction of pianist Horace Tapscott.
Daáood has spent over 40 years performing, recording, curating, teaching and producing, organizing and creating art in schools, churches, prisons, storefronts, libraries, festivals, conferences, museums, and galleries locally, nationally, and internationally.
He has worked as an instructor and curator for the city of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department at the Watts Towers Arts Center, taught African American music at Cal State Northridge and Otis College, and co-founded the World Stage Performance Gallery with drummer Billy Higgins.
“I am a devout poet. I believe that the right words offered in the right way can be music holding us together.
When we can speak the language of essence, we will be able to commune in a space miles above dogma and the confines of individual traditions. And we can develop into evolved human beings capable of radiating profound love, light, and service to others.
I believe wholeheartedly that art in community is noble work that fosters beauty and meaning into our lives.
That art is vital and necessary.”