Mama Duke: A Day for the Voices of Austin
- Charakter Magazine
- 19 hours ago
- 2 min read
Authenticity turns into legacy.
Last week the city of Austin officially declared October 23 to be Mama Duke Day, a recognition of Kori Roy, stage name Mama Duke. This honor is the most recent chapter of her long journey, which started when she was just 14 years old when her cousin began calling her Mama Duke as a roast.
Roy grew up in the small coastal fishing town of Palacios, Texas, a community containing less than 5,000 people. Her multicultural background gave her the opportunity to be exposed to many different types of music including Tejano and Country. This set the stage for her to develop a deep layered love of music as an art form and a language of self expression.
According to Roy in an interview with The Austin Chronicle in 2022, her mother would often play songs and ask her what they had been about, pushing her to internalize the lyrical content and search for meaning. One wonders if these early experiences inspired her to write music which tells a story, or to tell her story through music.
We should all take a lesson from Mama Duke's mother and consider the art we consume more critically. In hopes that everyone is encouraged to listen and interpret as well, let's actively listen to her latest release Feels So Good To Be You as heard on America's Got Talent.
As Mama Duke performed the song live for the crowd at Austin CIty Hall, fans may have first noticed an innovative blend of genres. The track combines classic hip hop sounds including 808 samples and synth bass with disco rhythms and rising string / flute pads.
The hook brings to mind pop music of the 90's and 2000's. When the verse arrives we are hit with Mama Dukes impressive flow, which is emphasized when the percussion changes to a halftime feel part way through.
Lyrically the song is a message of self acceptance and love. The titular line "feels so good to be you" seems to be a conversation between the protagonist and their own reflection in a mirror as they build each other up.
Surrounded by friends, fans, and family she gave an inspiring speech during which she reflected on her time in Los Angeles. She concluded with "Take me back to Texas." This moment is particularly significant because it is an indication the city is beginning to elevate innovation. Mama Duke’s story is a symbol of what happens when culture meets courage.
Source:
Comments