At only 29 years of age, Rio Tazewell has been a social entrepreneur and organiser for social change for more than ten years, launching various organisations which confront issues of the 21st century, on a local, state, and national level. Rio’s debut music video, a rap song entitled, ‘#realtalk’, examines the relationship between money in politics, corporate lobbyists, and the need for a political revolution.
Rio’s video is filmed on Capitol Hill, and features scenes from a large rally and protest in Washington DC, the “Democracy Awakening”. The rally was attended by thousands of people demanding reforms to money in politics. Rio was one of the main organisers, and was a core member co-ordinating more than 300 participating organisations.
In the video for ‘#realtalk’, Rio raps about the power of collective action in order to shape the country’s destiny. Showing people from walks of life, united in a single cause, he lets the imagery of Democracy Awakening underline his lyrics.
Featuring Washington scenes familiar to everyone, including The Capitol, the Supreme Court, The Reflecting Pool, both the Washington and Jefferson Monuments, and inside the Hart Senate Office Building, Union Station, and even the DC Metro, the video is a great backdrop to Rio’s first full foray into the realm of music. Hip Hop is certainly the best genre to express his thoughts, the style possibly the modern equivalent of the folky protest song of the 1960s.
Rio has a mixtape planned with more material ready for release, and sees his music as a personal way in which to reflect his professional message, mission and vision – to build an inclusive movement for a modern democracy. Rio, a campaign manager with People For The American Way, a progressive advocacy organisation in Washington DC, works tirelessly to further advance the ideals he expresses in ‘#realtalk’.
Find out more about Rio Tazewell on his Facebook page.
