As the adage goes, “Learning never stops.” Even as the pandemic stormed the world, learning and entertainment company Your Queens Inc. has continued to deliver a learning experience that has created memories and enriched people online and, more recently, face-to-face once more as restrictions continue to ease-up following the release of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Your Queens Inc. exists to carry out the central mission of evaluating, educating, and expressing the dynamic lineage of real African women and men using interactive storytelling, song, and dance. The company is one of the first registered African royalty characters companies that depicts historical figures who reigned over African civilizations. Through their programs, Your Queens has delivered to schools, organizations, parties, and other community-based groups an entertaining yet information-rich presentation that has brought pride and joy to the African-American population and other members of society.
Founded by chief director Ekiuwa Asemota, the organization came to life through the entrepreneur’s vision and desire to bring to light her heritage. “I felt it was the right time to teach today’s youth and adults about the beautiful royal lineage of Africa,” shares the company’s founder. “We do this by employing dance and song while also telling captivating stories that don’t just entertain, but also inform.”
Your Queens’ performances highlight Queen Amina of Zaria in Nigeria, Queen Makeda of Sheba in Ethiopia, Queens Cleopatra and Nefertiti, Goddess Isis, King Tut of Egypt, and many others. Through the group’s performances, they hope to bring a sense of pride to the black and minority population. In a time where media and entertainment lack representation, they hope that their platform will create a new wave of appreciation for more timeless principles and stories shared through their excellent performances.
As the world rages on with all the injustice and racism, especially toward African-Americans, many members of the arts community have risen to use their talents and platform to speak up against racial discrimination. Your Queens takes a positive stance by fighting for and highlighting the good side people can experience in African history. The Black Lives Matter movement continues to push its agenda forward as reports of police brutality and racial profiling proliferate news and media channels. Eki Asemota and her band of artistic storytellers hope their voice will add fuel toward the cause of bringing equality to America and beyond.
Over the last six years, Your Queens has performed for over 300 organizations, including public schools, counseling centers, cultural events centers, art and music festivals, colleges, and many more. They’ve appeared on news outlets like Essence, Elle Magazine, Hot 97, The Root and CBSN, Channels Television in Nigeria, Rolling out Magazine, Esquire Magazine, Stellar Magazine, Bk reader, Thrive Magazine, and several podcasts.
Today, Your Queens is starting to take on bookings for live in-person performances while also continuing to provide virtual services. As the world braved the coronavirus pandemic, Your Queens adapted to the times by offering events and performances virtually. Upon realizing that this new reality has ushered in a new way of presenting their stories to the world through the power of digital platforms, they look to continue in this endeavor moving forward.
To learn more about Your Queens Inc. and check out their performances, visit its website and Instagram profile.
