Beatboxing and raising awareness on suicide prevention — the two mixed together is what one Baltimore artist is about to debut at Carnegie Hall. In open city spaces, Dominic Talifero, better known as Shodekeh, is in his element. At age 9, Shodekeh said he experienced different forms of abuse and turned to beatboxing to overcome suicidal thoughts and save himself. "I had my first battle with ideation at around 9 years old," he said. "But unconsciously, I was looking for a way to creatively reclaim my body and reclaim my existence."He is a survivor who says he's still learning. His debut piece, called Vodalities, draws inspiration from the environment. Starting with "breath art," he can imitate things you'd find in a forest, like wind, transitioning next into what's called vocal percussion and finally beatboxing -- a reflection of the environment using the acoustics inside a tunnel. He is creating a voice with a message. "At the end of the day, I’m still the only one who can get out of my way. The people who have hurt me can't do that for me," he said.Changing up the scenes, Shodekeh's talent goes to Carnegie Hall this winter. It's something he wants particularly black youth to hear."It's exciting and it's also equally terrifying," he said.His beatboxing saved his life, and he is hoping to save more. Watch the video above for the full story.
Beatboxing and raising awareness on suicide prevention — the two mixed together is what one Baltimore artist is about to debut at Carnegie Hall.
In open city spaces, Dominic Talifero, better known as Shodekeh, is in his element. At age 9, Shodekeh said he experienced different forms of abuse and turned to beatboxing to overcome suicidal thoughts and save himself.
"I had my first battle with ideation at around 9 years old," he said. "But unconsciously, I was looking for a way to creatively reclaim my body and reclaim my existence."
He is a survivor who says he's still learning. His debut piece, called Vodalities, draws inspiration from the environment. Starting with "breath art," he can imitate things you'd find in a forest, like wind, transitioning next into what's called vocal percussion and finally beatboxing -- a reflection of the environment using the acoustics inside a tunnel. He is creating a voice with a message.
"At the end of the day, I’m still the only one who can get out of my way. The people who have hurt me can't do that for me," he said.
Changing up the scenes, Shodekeh's talent goes to Carnegie Hall this winter. It's something he wants particularly black youth to hear.
"It's exciting and it's also equally terrifying," he said.
His beatboxing saved his life, and he is hoping to save more.
Watch the video above for the full story.
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