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Blacktag is bringing the core of Black culture to the center stage. Described as a global content platform, production company, and connector between Black creators and brands, it serves to help content-focused Black innovators across the African diaspora monetize the culture they are known to originate. The startup dreams to serve as both a hub for alternative Black artists, and a social-entertainment platform for the wide audience that values various aspects of afro-diasporic culture.

Co-founders Akin Adebowale and Ousman Sahko-Sow are at the heart of the business. The two West-African-born entrepreneurs connected over their professional experiences with content-creation and a mutual understanding of the gap surrounding Black consumption within the tech world. This, coupled with the collective understanding of the economic disadvantages Black people face led to them creating the company. With Akin as the \u201cimagination,\u201d and Ousman as the \u201cmotivation\u201d -- two characteristics voiced by senior producer Melissa Tropnas -- Blacktag\u2019s team holds a sense of intention, self-regard, and high-level execution clearly seen in their film, \u201cBlack Art is Black Money\u201d. The visual brings cultural generators Miski, Jalaiah Harmon, Sage Elsesser, and more together to portray the conversations Black friend groups have with one another surrounding cultural appropriation\u2019s effect on Black artistry and Black legacy.

In our conversation, we speak with Akin, Ousman, and Melissa about the team\u2019s collaboration styles, the everlasting richness of alternative Black artists, and more.

In conversation with Nneka Anozie

Conversation curated by Jessica Michault

Special Thanks to Mode World

Original Music by Valerio Parrotta 

Edited by Dominic Celemen