The world premiere of House of Aama: Threads of Legacy, scored by EmmoLei Sankofa, will screen at DOC NYC 2024 in New York this November! To view the film online or attend the screening in person, click here.

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Director: Jamal Ademola

Featuring: House of Aama, Akua Shabaka, Rebecca L. Henry

Executive Producers: Stanley Nelson, Marcia Smith, Monika Navarro, Michael Kantor, Joseph Skinner, PJ Koll, Tim Pries, EmmoLei Sankofa

Producer: Kris Simms, Jamal Ademola

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About the film

House of Aama: Threads of Legacy is part of season 3 of "In the Making," a PBS documentary shorts series from American Masters and Firelight Media that follows emerging cultural icons on their journeys to becoming masters of their artistic disciplines. We get a glimpse into the House of Aama’s fashion approach, rooted in personal archives, Black folklore, and storytelling, which influences American culture today.

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About the score

This film's score is minimalist in nature, but captures the essence of ancestral ties, mysticism, and Black American roots.

May 28th becomes EmmoLei Sankofa Appreciation Day in the City of South Fulton. South Fulton is a unique community nestled in Southwest Atlanta and EmmoLei now joins the ranks of notable people like Kasim Reed, Cam Newton, Raven Johnson, Chris Eubanks and more who have emerged from this community and more specifically, Westlake High School.

EmmoLei is featured and interviewed for Hampton University's alumni magazine, The Hamptonian. Read here.

EmmoLei was nominated in the inaugural NAACP Image Award category, "Outstanding Score for TV/Film" for her score from "The Other Black Girl."

I had the pleasure of sharing my journey as a composer for film and television on WABE's podcast "The Boom." Moving to Los Angeles was challenging, but it led to significant opportunities and connections. Returning to Atlanta, I was honored with an NAACP Image Award nomination for my work on "The Other Black Girl." Other notable projects include “Three Ways,” “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,” and “Step Up.”

For more details, check out the full podcast.

I'm delighted to share my feature in the "Could Be Pretty Cool" podcast's episode on creative industry researchers. This episode dives into the behind-the-scenes aspects of how research informs and shapes creative projects. It was an enriching experience to discuss the intersection of creativity, research, and the arts, and to highlight the importance of thorough research in producing meaningful and impactful work.

For more details, check out the full episode.

I had the incredible opportunity to compose the unique and eerie score for Hulu's "The Other Black Girl." Using a blend of vocal motifs, percussion, and synth sounds, I collaborated with the choir Tonality and incorporated my own vocals. This project was a delicate balance of experimentation and aligning with the show's vision, blending seamlessly with needle drops from artists like Busta Rhymes and Sudan Archives.

For more details, visit the full article.

PostPerspective recently featured my work, offering an in-depth look at my creative process as a composer. The article discusses how I blend traditional and modern techniques to craft unique soundscapes for film and television. It highlights my recent projects, including my collaboration on Hulu's "The Other Black Girl," and emphasizes my commitment to innovation and authenticity in my music.

For more details, visit the full article on PostPerspective.

In an interview with Staff Me Up, I discuss my journey from studying at Savannah College of Art and Design to composing for major TV series and documentaries. My career path includes working on projects like "Lizzo’s Watch Out For the Big Grrrls" and "Step Up." I share insights into my creative process, the challenges of scoring for television, and advice for aspiring composers.

For more details, visit the full article.

I'm thrilled to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with Hulu's series "The Other Black Girl." Partnering with the acclaimed Los Angeles choir Tonality, our collective efforts have brought a unique soundscape to this powerful adaptation of Zakiya Dalila Harris’ novel. This collaboration, recorded at Hollywood’s Sunset Sound studio, highlights the diverse narratives and the rich vocal contributions of Tonality, led by Artistic Director Alexander Lloyd Blake. It's an honor to contribute to a project that resonates with such profound themes and storytelling. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting journey!

For more details, check out the full announcement.

EmmoLei attended the American Black Film Festival to discuss her work and process on the panel “Where Blackness is Infinite. Welcome Home” along with entertainment journalist Tre’vell Anderson and film writer Joi Elaine. Moderated by Raina Kelley, Vice President and Editor-In-Chief of Andscape, the panel was a part of the ABFF 2023 Talk Series and will be held at the New World Center Truist Pavilion Saturday, June 17.

I'm excited to share my involvement in the latest project by Little Treblemakers, a music education program spearheaded by Sydney Eloise Ward. Our virtual Flower Hour showcase, recorded at Standard Electric Recorders Co., features a delightful rendition of the Beach Boys' "Surfin' Safari." This initiative not only highlights the musical talents of young students but also supports the local musician community. Stay tuned for the full event from May 18-20 on YouTube Live!

For more details, check out the full article.

I'm honored to have received the Reel Change Film Fund for my work on "Three Ways," a comedy about navigating personal fears and relationships. This project allowed me to explore an innovative percussion-based score, incorporating quirky vocal expressions and dreamy textures. Collaborating with talented musicians and industry professionals elevated the production value, making this project a true highlight in my career.

For more details, visit the full article.

Read the full interview here.

I am incredibly honored to have been selected as a fellow for the 2021 Sundance Film Music Intensive. This unique opportunity allowed me to work alongside an amazing cohort of emerging composers and receive mentorship from industry-leading advisors. Throughout the intensive, we explored the dynamic relationship between music and film, enhancing our skills and creativity. It was an inspiring experience that will undoubtedly influence my future projects. Grateful for the support and guidance provided by the Sundance Institute!

For more details, visit the full announcement.

The NEXT program aims to identify and empower the next generation of music industry leaders to become an active voice in the Recording Academy's mission of recognizing musical excellence and advocating for the advancement and well-being of music-makers. This was a unique opportunity for EmmoLei to be mentored by industry vets in an area that aligns with her interests. Mentors for the NEXT 2021 class included: VP A&R/Creative of Atlas Music Publishing Latoya Lee for the Music Business Mentor Circle; Triller Global Head of Partnerships Mary Rahmani for the Music Marketing & Technology Mentor Circle; Republic Records Executive Vice President of Film & Television Dana Sano for the Music Licensing & Music Supervision Mentor Circle; GRAMMY-nominated engineer Jeff Gitelman for the Production & Engineering Mentor Circle; and GRAMMY-nominated songwriter MarcLo for the Songwriting Mentor Circle.

From chance encounters, to lake spirits, listen as three artists – writer Mark Kendall and sound artists Klimchak and Emmolei Sankofa – kind of come together to think about what happens after you die, why Atlanta is obsessed with Peachtree everything, and how it’s best if we all lead with curiosity.

Explore the pilot episode "Inside the Treehouse w/EmmoLei Sankofa" as well.

Performing a soulful medley of "Don't Fight" and "Intentions" for my debut performance on Mobley's "DEVIL in a DAYDREAM" Virtual Tour.

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EmmoLei speaks with Tash Moore at Quench Finance about money in relation to her career and journey. Read Full interview here.

I'm excited to share the release of my latest single, “Don’t Fight,” which I unveiled in three unique versions: original, a cappella, and instrumental. This project marks a significant evolution in my music, blending raw, uncut vocals with intricate instrumentals. Created organically, this song captures authentic emotions and conversations, recorded in a single take. It represents a snapshot of my artistic journey, continuously evolving and expressing different facets of my experiences.

For more details, check out the full article.

musician | performer.

EmmoLei Sankofa | Lauri Stallings & GloATL

Sept. 10 & 12, 2020

EmmoLei Sankofa, in collaboration with choreographer Lauri Stallings & the GloATL moving artists, participated as a featured sound artist and musician for lost loose and loved, a land art piece utilizing native Southern wildflowers that represents diversity, green justice, and hope. The event took place on a 2.5-acre site at the Southwest corner of 17th and Peachtree Street NW in Atlanta, GA. Produced in partnership with the Dewberry Foundation, the event was part of Glo’s initiative to support local essential workers while creating a Midtown spot where people from all walks of life can heal, hope, and reach far. 

lost loose and loved in the Atlanta Journal Constitution

I am honored to be included in XLR8R’s curated list of Black artists and labels to support on Bandcamp. This recognition, particularly on a day when Bandcamp is donating its revenue share to the NAACP, means a lot to me. It’s a celebration of Black artistry and a reminder of the importance of supporting and amplifying diverse voices in music. Check out my featured track "Intentions" and explore the incredible talent on this list.

For more details, visit the full article.

Keva B. sirs down with EmmoLei Sankofa to discuss her perspective of God through sound and gender.

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Sam Morrison at reviews Geometry via Lyrical Lemonade.

For more details, check out the full article.

Steve Donofrio interview me about my journey and EP, Geometry for OC Weekly. Read more here.

Review and interview about my Geometry release by Mashari Grissom. Read the full article here.

I got to chat with the team at Earhart about my release, Geometry. Read full interview here.

In episode 17 of the Bitcoin Podcast Network’s music broadcast, Crypto Until Infinity, host DJsNeverEndingStory speaks with special guest EmmoLei Sankofa. She’s one of the many women working in the blockchain space, a recording artist, film composer, and A&R for the blockchain music platform, Choon. The conversation covers the artist perspective of how to navigate in the crypto ecosystem opposed to traditional platforms.

I am excited to be highlighted in a powerful guest column by Ebonie Smith on Billboard, addressing the vital role and growing presence of female music producers in the industry. Smith's insights emphasize the importance of diversity and representation in music production, encouraging more women to pursue and excel in this field. As a female composer and producer, I resonate deeply with her message and remain committed to supporting and uplifting the voices of women in music. Together, we can continue to break barriers and inspire the next generation of female producers.

For more details, visit Billboard's feature on Ebonie Smith's column.

photo exhibition.

Art Share LA

Oct. 25 – Nov. 11, 2017

Drawn Together was a month-long group exhibition that featured excerpts from EmmoLei Sankofa's JOZI Series, in addition to work from a select group of Los Angeles' veteran and emerging artists. This show represented an attraction to abstraction along with a high level of formal skill by a mixture of LA’s veteran and emerging artists on one hand, and those who incorporate a sense of place (physical or psychological) on the other. The title acknowledges the similarities and joyous alchemy of their diversity. This is to say, the exhibition was as much about the wonderful circumstances of collision created by pairing the work of this group of Los Angeles' most talented artists as it was about any particular theme.

Ebonie Smith, founder of Gender Amplified, interviewed EmmoLei Sankofa for a producer profile spotlight. Read the full interview here.

LANDR, the creative platform for musicians, highlighted EmmoLei in a video interview and featured her 30 day Just Bcuz series in an article titled, Inspiration is for Amateurs.

photo exhibition.

The Broad Art Center at UCLA

June 9, 2017

The Afrikan Arts Ensemble's Spring Art Show featured visual works, musical performances, and spoken word by 26 Black artists based in Los Angeles. EmmoLei Sankofa exhibited excerpts from her JOZI Series.

Photo series from my James Baldwin artist residency in Johannesburg, South Africa.

I'm excited to be featured in a Yahoo Lifestyle article that highlights a powerful video about Black hair, emphasizing that there is no such thing as "bad hair." The video celebrates the diversity and beauty of Black hair, challenging societal norms and stereotypes. As someone deeply connected to cultural expression through music and art, I'm proud to be part of a movement that uplifts and honors our natural hair.

WATCH Kitchen. For more details, visit the full article.

composer & performer.

EmmoLei Sankofa | Raine Blunk

Jan. 7, 2015

Mixed Media Artist, Raine Blunk and I teamed up for a night of unique storytelling through sound and performance art. This nine-day immersive experience, led by conceptual artist Raine Eliza Blunk, challenged conventional notions of art and encouraged introspection and personal growth. I created and performed the soundscape, entitled "Golden Dragon." This installation was made possible by Art Rise Savannah.

PRESS

ArtRise helps in UN/LEARNING the self | Connect Savannah

TIMBER was a cross-country exhibition that involved the act of leaving behind my old and worn drumsticks throughout my trek to California. The act represented the shedding of the unnecessary to provide room for growth and new opportunities.

I am honored to be featured in an article by Savannah Now, which highlights Art Rise Savannah’s efforts to promote local artists and creators. This non-profit organization is a vibrant hub for the arts in Savannah, connecting artists with the community through events like Art March and initiatives like Savannah Art Informer. My involvement with Art Rise has provided me with a platform to reach a broader audience and inspire others through my work. Their support has been invaluable in my artistic journey.

For more details, visit the full article.

This series is a collection of photos that were accidentally captured on my phone. I later processed them using different photo editing apps to create something more meaningful. Everything you see here was created entirely on a mobile device.

EmmoLei Sankofa and Bèl Son's chief engineer, Xiao Hou, sit down with SCAD Radio to discuss "The House of Gunt" and much more!

EmmoLei releases her album, The House of Gunt, in September 2014. The release party was held at the famous Hangfire Bar in Savannah, GA with DJ CiCi and The House of Gunt drag collective.

The House of Gunt album was inspired by The House of Gunt drag collective and was sold in famous, Graveface Records, in Savannah.

Press

Prepare to be ‘Guntrified’ at Hang Fire album release party | Savannah Morning News

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Kayla Goggin from The Savannah Art Informer interviewed me about my release, "Osmosis."

composer.

EmmoLei Sankofa | Jessica Henry

May 30 – June 14, 2014

Motion Media Designer and Artist, Jessica Henry, reached out to me to design a soundcape for her installation Plant This. The installation culminates as a digital video projection using time-lapse nature photography, trash sculptures, interactive audio, and graphic elements. Through this, we seek to inspire a sense of self-empowerment within the community by addressing social class and sustainability issues. This installation was made possible by Art Rise Savannah.