Jamila Woods Joins Kaveh Akbar For A Live Collaboration On Art And Empathy

Jamila Woods is set to debut a new song inspired by Kaveh Akbar's poem during a live performance at Metro in Chicago on Tuesday. This unique collaboration allows both artists to present their work for the first time in front of an audience, emphasizing the spontaneous nature of artistic expression. Woods views the performance as part of her creative process, aiming to embrace vulnerability and experimentation. The event is part of the long-running SongWriter series, celebrating the intersection of literature and music. Akbar, a poet known for his impactful themes, expressed confidence in Woods' ability to elevate his work.

The evening will also feature a discussion on empathy, with sociologist Eman Abdelhadi providing insights on community dynamics. Woods' role as a mentor at Young Chicago Authors highlights her influence on emerging artists. This collaboration underscores the importance of shared experiences in art and the need for empathy in today's fractured world.