( ENSPIRE Man Code 101 ) Shirazee’s Much Needed Video Expresses a Generation’s Frustration with Police Brutality
ENSPIRE Contributor: Lucas Raskin
Recording artist Shirazee, with over 25 million global streams, has been a major voice in amplifying the African and Black experience. His heartfelt track, “Tired” pays tribute to George Floyd and all the lives taken by police brutality. The name of the new single comes from the fact that his generation is tired from all of the anger and pain that comes with being a black man.
The Benin born Shirazee overcame homelessness, signing his first publishing deal in New York City. His music includes “MAKE WILD,” “Soweto” with over 10 million streams, and “JUJU” with SAINt JHN. His work has been featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday, African Heat, Afropop, Chill tracks, Ginger Me, and Apple Music’s New Music Daily, Afrobeats Hits, Global Pop, and Africa Rising.
His emotional ballad, “Tired,” supported by celebrities like Mike Tyson, Teddy Riley, and Karl Kani premiered worldwide with Ebro Darden via Beats 1 on Apple Music on June 17th. The 1440p black and white video features him performing the song over B-roll footage of Black Lives Matter and Civil Rights Era demonstrations. “Tired” was featured in Triller’s Black Music Appreciation Month campaign alongside Mack Maine, Marcus Grant, Phylicia Fant, Charlene Thomas, and Chris Green.
About “Tired,” Shirazee has stated, “There is a new revolution out there ‘cause we are tired. I hope this song urges us all to continue to do the right thing and becomes a melodic beacon of hope.” Shirazee has still been active since the release of the single. He was the unannounced special guest in Michael Brun’s geofenced livestream. Geofencing is a novel phenomenon where livestreams are locked to attendees within 100 miles of a city of choice, allowing artists to effectively go on tour during the pandemic.
All of the proceeds from “Tired” are being donated to Color Of Change, NAACPLDF, and the ACLU. Artists like Shirazee are an effective and vital outlet for unheard voices to be globally heard. On Shirazee’s Soundcloud page and on his Spotify, you can find all of his music and catch upcoming releases.
Watch the touching music video.
