Austin musician and producer Ghislaine “Qi Dada” Jean is set to address the challenges of Black maternal health through her upcoming showcase, Black Divas. This event will be filmed live at Austin PBS on December 6, 2024, and aims to resonate with audiences nationwide when it airs next year.
Jean, who became a mother four years ago, felt a profound absence of cultural representation and artistic expression reflecting her experiences. As she searched for music and narratives that articulated her fears and uncertainties, she found little that resonated with her journey.
“Surely someone has made art about this,” she recalled thinking, only to discover a void. This realization drove her to explore the broader context of maternal health in Texas, where disparities persist. Although there have been gradual improvements, recent statistics indicate that Black women face disproportionately higher risks of severe complications and maternal mortality. Factors such as inconsistent postpartum care and inadequate insurance coverage contribute to this alarming trend.
“It made me realize how many women weren’t being fully seen,” Jean noted, emphasizing the need for spaces that authentically reflect their experiences. This insight ultimately inspired the creation of Black Divas, a showcase that blends opera, gospel, and R&B, focusing on the emotional and spiritual aspects of Black motherhood.
The second installment, titled Black Divas: Her Life on Cloud 9, will be taped at Austin PBS studios, featuring a mix of classical and contemporary musical styles. Jean, who co-leads the rap group Riders Against the Storm with her husband, Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone, has curated a lineup of talent to shape the show’s emotional core.
Highlighting the work of advocacy groups such as Black Mamas ATX and Black Mamas Village, Jean aims to raise awareness and support for improved maternal health care. She pointed out that many deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth are preventable and often stem from delayed recognition of complications.
Jean also seeks to address the limited opportunities for Black female artists, even those as legendary as Aretha Franklin and Leontyne Price, to delve into the nuanced challenges of Black womanhood. She envisions Black Divas as a space for these artists to express their truths without needing external validation.
“It’s a musical space that lets Black women hear themselves more clearly, without having to explain anything,” Jean explained. “It’s about giving Black women permission to create an echo chamber that points inward.”
The performance will feature a live band composed entirely of Black musicians, ensuring continuity from last year’s showcase while expanding the overall production design. Among the guest performers is Keke Wyatt, a well-known R&B singer celebrated for her vocal talent and experience as a mother of eleven. Her involvement aligns perfectly with the goals of the show, bringing both vocal strength and a shared understanding of motherhood to the stage.
Jean expressed her enthusiasm for Wyatt’s participation, stating, “When her team said she was interested, everything fell into place. The timing, the support, the resources all clicked.”
This program aims to balance the serious issues surrounding maternal health with moments of joy, connection, and catharsis. “Joy is nourishment,” Jean asserted. “It’s something we need, especially in times that feel heavy.”
Through this performance, Jean hopes audiences will gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted experiences of Black mothers, encompassing their strength, vulnerability, and humor. “I want people to feel the depth of these women,” she said. “That’s the beauty I want people to walk away with.”
The Black Divas: Her Life on Cloud 9 concert and television taping will take place on December 6, 2024, at 19:00 at Austin PBS, located at 6101 Highland Campus Drive, Building 3000. Tickets are available through the Austin PBS website.
The project is supported by Huston-Tillotson University, Six Square, Visit Austin, and PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross, and will reach audiences across public television stations nationwide next year.