2023 was a year for music, and live music in particular, as one expert at the George Washington University says the past year saw a resurgence in tours and concerts returning full swing post-pandemic.
Imani Cheers, an associate professor of media and public affairs, is an award-winning digital storyteller, director, producer, and filmmaker. As a professor of practice, she uses a variety of mediums including video, photography, television, and film to document and discuss issues impacting and involving people of the African Diaspora. Her scholarly focus is on the intersection of women/girls, technology, health, conflict, agriculture, and the effects of climate change in sub-Saharan Africa. Cheers is also an expert on diversity in Hollywood, specifically the representation of Black women in television and film.
“Music is what really brought people together in 2023 in a time when we’re so fractured as a world, but really as a country,” Cheers says. “To have these particular artists to say, ‘we’re going to use our artistry, our music, to bring people together to tour, to share our work,' I think it’s just a really beautiful way that we were all able to come together, laugh, dance, and cry a little bit, but all in a good way.”
Cheers says there were three standout artists whose concerts stood out above the rest. Find out her top three music moments of 2023 in this video here.
If you would like to speak with Prof. Cheers, please contact GW Media Relations Specialist Cate Douglass at [email protected].
-GW-