The Rhythm of Rebellion is a podcast hosted by singer and artivist Taína Asili featuring interviews with leading social change performing artists across genres, exploring the strategies they are using in their art to bring justice and healing to their communities and our world.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Amazon Music.
18 January 2024

Striking Chords & Defending Digital Human Rights

On this episode of The Rhythm of Rebellion, I speak with Evan Greer, a powerhouse trans and queer activist, writer and musician based in Boston. Evan’s journey is a dynamic interplay of musical wit, grassroots activism, and a fervent dedication to justice. She has gracefully evolved her sound from riot-folk...
22 December 2023

DJ Johnny Juice – Spinning Sonic Expressions

On this episode of The Rhythm of Rebellion, we sit down with DJ Johnny Juice, a legendary figure in the world of hip-hop and an iconic DJ, producer, and musician. Best known for his work with the groundbreaking hip-hop group Public Enemy, DJ Johnny Juice has been a driving force...
22 December 2023

Toshi Reagon – Living in the Circle of Creation

On this episode of The Rhythm of Rebellion, I have a soulful conversation with the brilliant musician, composer, and singer, Toshi Reagon. Toshi’s unique ability to move seamlessly between musical genres and create melodies that carry the essence of human experiences has earned her a distinguished place among musicians and...
07 December 2023

Edisa Weeks – The Dance of Liberation

On today’s episode, I delve into a captivating conversation with Edisa Weeks, a renowned choreographer, educator, and the founder of the multicultural dance company Delirious Dances. Edisa’s artistic journey is a profound exploration of dance, liberation, and community engagement. Edisa’s artistic vision extends beyond traditional performance spaces. Her artistic vision...
01 December 2023

Meklit – Movement, Migration & Muse

On today’s episode I speak with Meklit, an Ethio-American vocalist, songwriter, and composer known for her electric stage presence and her ability to craft deeply personal Ethio-Jazz songs that resonate with audiences across the globe. Meklit’s music has taken her from the heart of Addis Ababa, to stages in San...
16 November 2023

Morley – Becoming One Sound

On today’s episode I speak with Morley, an artist deeply devoted to human rights and environmental justice. Morley’s global travels have allowed her to share music with profound luminaries like His Holiness The Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela. She has shared the stage with Toshi Reagon and Dr. Bernice Johnson...
09 November 2023

Ivelisse Diaz – The Pulse of Liberation Through Puerto Rican Bomba

On today’s episode I speak with Ivelisse Diaz, a dynamic force in the world of Bomba, an emblematic Puerto Rican musical tradition that emerged 400 years ago from our African ancestors. Ivelisse shares her journey, from learning Bomba as a child, to becoming director of La Escuelita Bombera de Corazón...
02 November 2023

Jamila Sabares-Klemm – Amplifying Voices Through Art and Activism

On today’s episode of The Rhythm of Rebellion podcast I speak with Jamila Sabares-Klemm, a prominent Filipina-American activist, actor, and singer currently starring as Dory/Evelyn in the Broadway Revival of Merrily We Roll Along. We discuss her journey through the world of theater, as well as her work as co-founder...
02 November 2023

Rhythm of Rebellion Podcast Season 3!

I can’t even begin to tell you how excited about Season 3 of The Rhythm of Rebellion! The Rhythm of Rebellion is a podcast I host featuring interviews with leading social change performing artists across genres, exploring the strategies they are using in their art to bring justice and healing...
13 April 2023

María José Montijo – Cosmic Connections & Harp Vibrations

On today’s episode I speak with singer-songwriter María José Montijo, who is a self-described “weird, cosmic, and queer islander” from Puerto Rico, now based in the Bay Area of California. Her music draws inspiration from over 20 years of experience as a healer, and is rooted in a continuous process...
06 April 2023

Xenia Rubinos – A Full Spectrum of Sound + Light

On today’s episode I speak with music maker Xenia Rubinos, who uses her powerful voice to create beats and melodies from scratch. Xenia’s sound grows from a wide range of influences from Caribbean rhythms and beat music to minimalism and indie rock all delivered with a soulful punk aura. With...
30 March 2023

Sonny Singh – Exploring Revolutionary Eternal Optimism

On today’s episode I speak with Sonny Singh, a Brooklyn-based musician who has brought his fiery trumpet & vocals to audiences around the world for the last decade . Sonny’s first musical outlet as a child of immigrant parents in North Carolina was singing Sikh devotional music, later exploring many...
23 March 2023

L.I.T.A – Existing In Peace

On today’s episode I speak with L.I.T.A., a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter born in Ecuador, raised in Upstate, New York, and currently residing in Los Angeles. Her name is an acronym for Love Is The Answer, and with love as her guiding force she offers emotion-filled vocal performances and an unparalleled...
16 March 2023

Ximena Violante – Adapting Tradition for a New Era

On today’s episode I speak with Ximena Violante, a Mexican violinist, jarana player, singer, teacher, actor, and organizer creating spaces for people to celebrate their roots, re-imagine their futures, and expand their communities.  Ximena is the bandleader and songwriter for Interminable, a futuristic fusion project that brings together son jarocho...
02 March 2023

Jeneda Benally – Punk Rock for Hope and Healing

On today’s episode I speak with Jeneda Benally, a bassist, vocalist, and songwriter, and one half of the multi-award winning duo Sihasin. Jeneda and her brother Clayson Benally are from the Diné (Navajo) Nation in Northern Arizona. Together with their family, they grew up protesting the environmental degradation and inhumane...
01 March 2023

Mireya Ramos – Breaking Boundaries with Voice and Violin

On today’s episode I speak with Mireya Ramos, a New York-based, Latin Grammy-winning vocalist, violinist, composer, arranger and founder of Flor de Toloache – New York City’s first and only all-women mariachi group. Born in California to Dominican and Mexican parents, Mireya was raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico until...
23 February 2023

Martha Redbone – Loud and Proud!

On today’s episode I speak with Martha Redbone, a Native and African-American vocalist, songwriter, composer, and educator. She is known for her unique gumbo of folk, blues, and gospel from her childhood in Harlan County, Kentucky infused with the eclectic grit of pre-gentrified Brooklyn. Inheriting the powerful vocal range of...
07 February 2023

The Rhythm of Rebellion is back!

I am so excited to announce that after a 5 year hiatus, Season 2 of The Rhythm of Rebellion is finally coming this month starting on February 23, 2023! The Rhythm of Rebellion is a podcast I originally launched in 2017 to interview leading social change performing artists across genres,...
02 February 2017

Charlotte Hill O’Neal – Healing Songs Made In the Motherland

In this episode I speak with Mama Charlotte Hill O’Neal, an accomplished vocalist, musician, poet, visual artist, and former member of the Black Panther Party. She has been living in the village of Imbaseni, near Arusha, Tanzania, for over 40 years. There she is the co-director of the United African Alliance Community Center (UAACC), a...
18 January 2017

Enmanuel Candelario – Protest Poetry

In this episode I speak with Enmanuel Candelario, a writer, performer and recording artist with The Peace Poets, a collective of artists from the Bronx, NY. Since 2005 The Peace Poets have celebrated, examined and advocated for life through music and poetry, with a stylistic emphasis on lyricism, rhythm and authenticity....
04 January 2017

Bonfire Madigan Shive – Music In Dialogue With Right Now

In this episode I talk with visionary cellist, vocalist, and community activist Bonfire Madigan Shive. Madigan began her career in the Pacific Northwest Riot Grrrl scene, releasing music with independent record labels K and Kill Rock Stars. She’s gone on to establish herself as a trailblazing performer, blending folk, punk, classical...
04 January 2017

Spirit Paris McIntyre – Music Medicine and Expansion

In this episode I was with Spirit Paris McIntyre, a cellist, vocalist, and lyricist, seamlessly blending blues, soul, folk, classical, reggae and Middle Eastern sounds into an unforgettable musical landscape. Spirit is also a wellness advocate, sound healer, reiki practitioner, dancer and visual artist, and believes in promoting empowerment and...
04 January 2017

Alixa Garcia – Standing Rock and Solution Cyphers

In this episode I speak with Alixa Garcia, a Colombia born, U.S. based multimedia artist, and one half of the dynamic spoken word duo Climbing PoeTree. Over the last 13 years, Climbing PoeTree has infused our movements for justice with healing and imagination, inspiring thousands through their award-winning multimedia theater, dual-voice spoken...
29 November 2016

Welcome to The Rhythm of Rebellion!

I am so excited to introduce you to my new podcast! Twice a month, starting in January, I will be interviewing some of the leading social change performing artists from the U.S. and around the globe. Having worked as a social change performing artist for over twenty years, I have met...