Risikat “Kat” Okedeyi of LiL So So Productions

Welcome to our second podcast for the year 2010. For the month of March 2010, we are focusing on the third annual When Harlem Came to Paris, which will be held Saturday, March 20, 2010 at the Alliance de Francais in Washington, DC.

For the third year, LiL So So Productions will be presenting this unique event celebrating the art, culture and personalities of the Harlem Renaissance and their presence in the City of Lights- Paris, France. This will be the second year that Authentic Contemporary Art will be involved in this event.

For this podcast, we have invited Risikat “Kat” Okedeyi to talk about the origins of this exciting event with us. Kat, the founder of LiL SoSo Productions (LSP) touts a name as melodical as the events she has gained notoriety for. Her Maryland-based company specializes in event concept production and artist management, with an international flair, a throwback to her Nigerian/American roots.

According to Kat, “On August 13, 2004, I quit my job as a trade association director to pursue this destined path full-time. The Creator told me it was time to take the leap of faith and I not being one to argue with the likes of the Creator did as I was told. So far, so good. I haven’t missed a mortgage payment, and my lights are still on. I am on the slow build, and I am grateful.”

Her cross-cultural upbringing has allowed her diverse insight, evident in her endeavors. She has created a series of signature cultural events including: “When Harlem Came to Paris”, and “Black President’s Day”, a birthday tribute to the King of Afrobeat, Fela Kuti. A little closer to home, she is also the creator of “Soul Overdose”, an interactive live music concert featuring independent and emerging artists and “In the Artist’s Studio” a candid discussion and performance event, with industry tastemakers including artists and producers.

LiL So So Productions was founded as a tribute to Kat’s younger sister and muse, Sofryat aka “Lil Soso”, who passed away at the age of 15 in June 2001. Kat holds a Master degree in African American History and Literature and in addition to LSP, teaches at various local community colleges and is a practicing herbalist.

For more information about Lil So So Productions, visit http://www.lisoso.com. For more information about When Harlem Came to Paris, visit http://www.harleminparis.com.

Down load and listen to the conversation here (or the podcast player on the right column of this blog).