Ms. Mohammed’s performance explores her journey from her time as Dana Jade, to using her government name and becoming Ms. Mohammed. She shares how her intersecting identities of race, culture, gender and sexuality have been used by the music industry and parts of society to “other” and reject her. And how now she uses these multiple identities as a way to centre her music – lyrically, rhythmically and visually. For Ms. Mohammed, it is time for music and the music industry to go beyond its silos, stereotypes and assumptions, and for us to envision a world where marginalised voices, in whichever industry, are not merely existing amidst the status quo – but thriving and celebrated. Growing up in Trinidad as a fourth generation of Indian descent, Dana Mohammed is no stranger to being the other. She started her musical career as Dana Jade, earning glowing reviews for her debut LP. However, as life for marginalized voices became increasingly fraught, it felt imperative to own our collective otherness and counter growing prejudices, hence reclaiming her stage name to her surname Mohammed. Beyond borders Ms.Mohammed’s music is a daring mix of genres, lyrics and sounds that command our attention-calling for change. To quote Iggy Pop; “Whoa! Ms. Mohammed-A Middle Eastern beat into a rockin’ groove!” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
