Shodekeh Talifero's portfolio

Immersion: Ethnomusicology, Ambassadorship & Traditional Explorations Around The World.

Current cultural affiliations through active board membership: The Asian Arts & Culture Center of Towson University, the Baltimore Sister Cities Program (Baltimore-Kawasaki & Baltimore-Liberia) & the Maryland Folklife Center Feasibility Committee.

Previous Board Memberships: The Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance (2012-2017).

A Fight For Music, People & Culture.

Shodekeh, an African name of Nigerian origin. Definition - "Warrior. One who fights for what he believes."
The Global Phenomenon of the Human Beatbox: Shodekeh & Северин Сигуней @ the Sayan Ring Festival in Abakan, Russia, 2012.

"Beatboxing fundamentally began in New York City in conjunction with the birth of the hip-hop subculture on the streets of Harlem. In the early to mid-eighties, three names stand out head and shoulders above the rest - Darren 'Buffy' Robinson, Doug E Fresh and Biz Markie. They are crowned as the first three pioneers of beatboxing in their own respective and innovative ways. Thanks to the internet, beatboxing has become a global phenomenon enjoyed by millions internationally." - Human Beatbox.com
Daina Fusion: Shodekeh & Lithuanian Folk Singers in Siauliai, Lithuania for the US Embassy of Lithunania program American Month of Culture, 2009.

"The development of Lithuanian folk music has been documented about a hundred years. In 1908–1909 the first Lithuanian folk melodies were recorded on wax cylinders by Eduard Wolter, professor at the St. Petersburg University & an eminent scholar of the Lithuanian language, history, archaeology & folklore. In 1911 Lithuanian folk songs were recorded by another famous specialist in Lithuanian philology professor at the Helsinki University Aukusti Robert Niemi (his cylinders are stored in Helsinki)." - The Institute of Lithuanian Literature & Folklore.
Kwanzaa Celebration with Founder of Kwanzaa Dr. Maulana Karenga @ The Reginald F. Lewis Museum, with musical guests Sankofa Dance Theater & Shodekeh. Photo by the Baltimore Sun, 2013.

"Dr. Maulana Karenga, founder of Kwanzaa, joins this year's Kwanzaa Celebration to make it extra special. Sankofa Dance Theater entertains us with storytelling and African dancing. Beatboxer Shodekeh joins them for an electrifying, improvised “Drum Talk." An interactive children’s workshop on the principles of Kwanzaa is led by Culture Kingdom Kids. Shop at the African marketplace of crafts, clothing, & more." - The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, Smithsonian Affiliate.
Silk Road Fusion: Members of the Silk Road Ensemble, featuring special guests Shodekeh & Alash at Smithsonian's Freer & Sackler Galleries, 2017.

"Deeply inspired by Yo-Yo’s lifelong pursuit to better understand his neighbors, we take on the collective stewardship of Silkroad with the firm belief that embracing difference leads to a more hopeful world. As we consider the values of inclusion and curiosity that drew us together in the first place, we are energized by the prospect of what we can achieve, and we have been hard at work formulating a vision for the years ahead." - Silk Road Ensemble.
Emissary: Shodekeh, board member of the Asian Arts & Culture Center of Towson University, with the Tibetan Monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery, 2016.

"From October 31 through November 3, Tibetan Buddhist monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery return to Towson U to create the Akshobhya mandala sand painting. The Akshobhya Buddha is known as the Unshakeable Victor for conflict resolution and peace. Their residency includes the mandala sand painting demonstration, lectures and closing ceremony." - The Asian Arts & Culture Center of Towson University.
Kurdish Fusion: Ghazi Kurdistani with Shodekeh & Ali & Halgurd Omar during World Refugee Day @ The Walters Art Museum, 2013.

"The international showcase celebrates Baltimore as the home to talented refugees and immigrants. Baltimore’s favorite beat boxer, Shodekeh, headlines w/ all of the international acts. Eritrean husband & wife, Abebe Setarge & Eyersaliem Zemichael, sing to African beats. Sokoja Kondorka, musician from Darfur, sings in native masalit and fur languages while playing electric guitar. Visit our organizations on the Sculpture Court throughout the day and hear indigenous Kurdish music by Ghazi Kurdistani, Ali Omar & Halgurd Omar." - The Creative Alliance.
Prince Edward Islands Meets Baltimore: Shodekeh & Vishten @ the American Folk Festival in Bangor, Maine, 2016.

"For more than a decade, Acadian power trio Vishtèn has gained a prominent position on the international stage. These multi-instrumentalists combine unprecedented arrangements of traditional Acadian songs with dazzling instrumental creations with Acadian & Celtic flavors, all transcended by a contemporary sensibility & rock & indie-folk influences." - Vishten.
Cyber Trad: A musical experiment that combines melodic sensibilities from traditional Irish and Breton music, and blends them with rhythmic elements of contemporary Quebecois, funk, and Hip Hop.

"But perhaps the album’s most compelling inclusion is the percussive backing. Talifero grew up around hip hop music and his work here adds substantially to Olwell’s artistic vision. His contribution is uniformly interesting, but is effective on a track like “Bal Plin / The Evil Fairy,” where his beatboxing engages with the melodic nuances of Olwell’s playing in a most responsive way. It’s particularly good on “Ingonish / The Queen of May,” where he beatboxes as Olwell lilts." - The Irish Echo.
Bhangra Fusions: Red Baraat, featuring Shodekeh during the 2017 IlluminAsia Festival @ the Smithsonian's Freer & Sackler Galleries. Photo by Cory Herl Grace.

"The pioneering Brooklyn Bhangra, party juggernaut, Red Baraat have made a name for themselves as one of the best live bands playing anywhere in the world. Led by dhol drummer Sunny Jain, the drum and brass + guitar band delivers an unprecedented, high energy, gut-busting fusion of jazz, hip-hop beats, rock muscle, funky go-go, and scalding hot bhangra." - Red Baraat.

CULTURAL FIRST E: Choreographic, Improvisatory & Breath Art Innovations with Shodekeh, the American Dance Festival @ Duke University & the TU Department of Dance (Movement as Research), 2006 - 2026.

Proprioceptive / Curatorial Statement: "Boxemics / Proxemics" is the creative, experimental, practical & pedagogical convergences of Beatboxing + Vocal Percussion with the sustained necessity of original music for dance technique courses and academic programs. As a pioneering Beatboxer and Vocal Percussionist of this fusion of methodologies, Shodekeh has created pathways for new experiences of dance-based proprioception, voice + movement embodiments, improvisational explorations and overall choreographic expression, most evident in the development of his "Breath Art" practice born out of this overall dynamic collision. This experimental application has allowed him to develop advanced skills in providing musical support as a Breath Artist & Beatbox-based technique composer for Ballet, Contact Improv, Release, Lester Horton, Cunningham and a wide variety of other Modern Dance Techniques. He is also highly experienced in leading voice + movement instruction, breath art for dance and musical improvisation + composition for dance." - Dominic Shodekeh Talifero.

"One night in 2006, Towson University dance professor Vincent Thomas was at a poetry slam where Talifero performed. Afterward, the two exchanged business cards, and the beatboxer has been working with Towson University ever since. "Sitting in a cafe chair my body and spirits began to move. I was so intrigued with what sounds were being captured in the tightly held microphone," Thomas says about that initial meeting. "It was a musical journey, like riding the roller coaster of Space Mountain. I had to know more about him and to hear more of his musical abilities. My mind immediately raced to my modern dance classes I was teaching at Towson University." "I knew his musical abilities would pair with physical bodies moving through space. This is artistic and educational research firsthand, Thomas adds. "This collaborative journey of movement and sound/music has been so rich for the learning and creative aspects of our students and faculty alike. It has expanded possibilities of our art and adds to the rich fabric of our department." - Towson University.

"SANTA MONICA, Calif. — It sounds like such a simple thing. Breathing. In fact, Breath artist Dominic Shodekeh Talifero, who goes by Shodekeh, says it’s something most people don’t even think about. “And I think that’s a reflection of a larger dynamic,” he explained. “I think we live very disembodied lives.” It’s something he’s actively trying to change. A professional beatboxer, he spent his life immersed in hip hop culture, but things began to take on a new direction when he was playing music for a dance class at Towson University. They asked if he could do something more elongated, more environmental, and what came out sounded like ocean waves, rustling winds, distant birds. At the time, he didn’t have a name for what he was doing, but over the next few years of research and experimentation and inspiration, he forged his own path. This week Shodekeh has been doing a residency at Santa Monica College, collaborating with dance and music classes and holding workshops. Dance majors, like Raven Smith, are already aware of the connection between breath and body, but were excited about this opportunity to explore new ways for combining the two. “The way you breathe can really translate into your movement,” Raven said. “It can really transform the way you dance.” She and some of her classmates will soon put what they’ve learned to work. They will be participating in a public performance on Saturday at the SMC Barrett Gallery at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. After this sonic pre-show, as it’s billed, Shodekeh will be performing one of his compositions at the BroadStage in concert with the group So Percussion. Breathing is an art, he says, but it’s also much more — a healing force tied to many aspects of life, including wellness, environmental stresses, even social justice. “Breath art can help unpack some of those things,” he explained. At least, that’s what it’s done for him. Shodekeh is a survivor of childhood abuse and says he found using his voice as an instrument helped him reclaim his body and his agency. “You can’t buy that,” Shodekeh said. “That’s priceless. And fighting for that is worth more than gold.” The pandemic also changed our relationship to breathe. Fear of airborne disease. Masks blocking our faces. We’re still in the midst of it, but Shodekeh also feels that we are on the verge of a shift in what he calls breath culture in the 21st century. “It’s more than just making cool sounds,” he explained. “Hopefully it can be used as a tool for something way bigger than yourself.” The human body has limitless potential, he says. We just have to learn to breathe into it." - Spectrum News 1, Santa Monica.

Shodekeh's Dance Improvography: Shodekeh's past work with the Towson University Department of Dance has led to many other appointments as a musician-in-residence at the Community College of Baltimore County Dance program, the Goucher College Dance program, NYU Tisch School of Dance, the Patapsco High Center for the Arts Dance program, The Peabody Dance BFA program of Johns Hopkins University. Shodekeh's work as music faculty at the American Dance Festival @ Duke University has also led to many other opportunities as a guest musician for such lumanaries as Ailey II of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Bill T. Jones / Arnie Zane Dance Company, Eiko Otake, Liz Lerman, the Paul Taylor Dance Company, Senga Nengudi and Shen Wei Dance Arts. Shodekeh has applied his vocal craft for the musical support of a wide variety of dance / movement forms including Aerial Dance/Movement, Aerial Yoga, Ballet, Belly Dancing, Breaking / B-Boying, Capoeira, Contact Improv, Experimental Movement, Fire Dancing / Fire Movement, Flat Footing, Gaga, Hip Hop, Hula Hooping, Irish Traditional Step Dancing, Jazz. Modern Dance: The Cunningham Technique & The Lester Horton Technique, Mongolian Traditional Dance, Movement Improv, Native American Fancy Dancing, Popping, Post Modern Dance, Rollerblading, Skateboarding, Tai chi, Tap, West African Dance and Yoga.

Shodekeh has also composed original music for many choreographers and dance institutions including "Beatbox & Ballet" by Dubscience Films/TU Dance with Runqiao Du, 2014. "Breath & Air" @ The Theater Project, Jayne Bernasconi, 2016. Christian Richards, CCBC Dept of Dance, 2006. Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art + Design: Now Performance Series with Krysia Bock, 2013, Dianne McIntyre for ADF @ Duke, 2008. Doug Elkins for ADF @ Duke, 2007. The Effervescent Dance Collective @ The Load of Fun, 2010. Effervescent Dance Collective, "10X10 " @ 2640, 2014. Elizabeth Terschuur for The UCLA Department of World Arts Cultures/Dance, 2010. The Footworks Dance Company, 2010. "Glorious Pots" @ the Asian Arts & Culture Center/ Vincent Thomas, 2006. Goucher College, 2008. "In The Company of Men", VT Dance, 2016. Jeanne Pheffer for ADF @ Duke, 2008. The Johns Hopkins Modern Dance Company, led by Marilyn Byers, 2007. Launa Dixon for The World Dance Festival @ CCBC, 2008. Movement For Men Skills Showing, Vincent Thomas/TU Dance, 2013. Naropa University Residency Final Concert, with Krysia Bock, 2012. Nancy Romita, 2017. Pam Pietro for ADF @ Duke, 2009. "Paper Jam", Krysia Bock @ TU Dance. The PG Community College, 2006. Ruth Andrein for ADF @ Duke, 2007. The Sankofa Dance Theater, Kwannza Celebration @ The Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 2013. "Shades of The Soul", Nicole Martinell/Deep Vision Dance, 2012. Shani Collins for ADF @ Duke, 2008. Shani Collins for ADF @ Duke, 2010. Stafford Berry for ADF @ Duke, 2007. "Syncopated Soul", Runqiao Du @ The TU Dept of Dance, 2010. Teelin Irish Dance, 2014. Towson University Community Dance, 2012. Virginia Tech, The Boogaloo Crew Dancers & Kandinsky Trio, 2008-2010. "Witness", Vincent Thomas/VT Dance @ The Kennedy Center. 2008.

Boxemics Bibliography: "The Art of the Turnaround" by Michael Kaiser. "The Creative Habit" & "The Collaborative Habit" by Twyla Tharp. "Senga Nengudi: Topologies" catalogue published by Hirmer Publishers. "Senga Nengudi: Improvisational Gestures" catalogue published by the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. "A Body in Fukushima" by Eiko Otake & William Johnston. "From Trinity to Trinity" by Kyoko Hayashi, translated by Eiko Otake.

Boxemics / Proxemics, Movement I (Modern Dance): Shodekeh's & TU Alumni Krysia Bock's Professional Residencies at Naropa University & the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design, which began at the American Dance Festival @ Duke University, 2009 - 2013.

Sho'dekeh Musicians Shodekeh's professional appointments in Dance as a Musician and Composer-in-residence / Music Faculty: The American Dance Festival @ Duke University (2007 - 2010). The Community College of Baltimore County Dance program (2006 - 2009). The Goucher College Dance program (2021). The Johns Hopkins University Modern Dance Company (2006 - 2007). The New York University Tisch School of Dance (2017). The Patapsco High Center for the Arts Dance program (2006 - 2007). The Peabody Dance BFA program of Johns Hopkins University (2018 - 2021). The Towson University Department of Dance (2006 - 2018).

Professional guest musician appointments: Ailey II of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The American College Dance Association Conference. The Bill T. Jones / Arnie Zane Dance Company. Liz Lerman. The Naropa University Dance Program. The Paul Taylor Dance Company. Shen Wei Dance Arts. The University of Colorado Boulder Dance Theatre & Dance Program. The University of Hartford Dance Program. The University of Maryland College Park Department of Dance.

Black & White photographs by Philip Edward Laubner.
Voxemics / Proxemics Exhibit A (Dimensional Vocal Percussion for Dance + Museum Interpretation): Shodekeh & Krysia Angle Voice + Movement Residency at the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design, 2013.

Art Beat With Lauren Landau Spotlight on Wednesday: Beatboxer Shodekeh "The Corcoran College of Art and Design (500 17th St. NW) will be hosting Shodekeh at 7 p.m. in collaboration with dancer and choreographer Krysia Bock. He'll also be holding workshops with students all weekend to conceptualize his performance. The performance is part of the weekly Corcoran Uncorked, which is free for members and students." - The Washington Examiner.

"Tonight at 7, Baltimore-based beatboxer Shodekeh will demonstrate the art of vocal percussion in a performance with dancer / choreographer Krysia Bock, with collaboration from Corcoran College of Art + Design students. The event is part of the Now @ The Corcoran series, and takes place during the weekly Corcoran Uncorked." - Art Beat with Lauren Landau, WAMU 88.5 FM American University Radio.
Boxemics / Proxemics, Movement II (Improvisational Dance): Shodekeh & TU Dance Alumni Abby Magalee for "TU Innovator in Residence" featured by Towson University Marketing, 2021 - 2022.

Shodekeh — TU's Innovator-in-Residence The Modern Dance Techniques that Shodekeh has provided original live music for: Graham Technique. Cunningham Technique. Horton Technique. Post-Modern. Release.

The dance & movement forms that Shodekeh has provided original live music for: Aerial Dance/Movement. Aerial Yoga. Ballet. Belly Dancing. Breaking / B-Boying. Capoeira. Contact + Movement Improv. Fire Dancing / Fire Movement. Flat Footing. Gaga. Hula Hooping. Irish Traditional Step Dancing. Jazz. Mongolian Traditional Dance. Indigenous / Native American Fancy Dancing. Popping. Tai chi. Tap. West African Dance. Yoga.
Voxemics / Proxemics Exhibit A (Musical Vocal Percussion for Ballet): "Beatbox and Ballet" Documentary Short, Ft. Shodekeh Talifero & The Towson University Department of Dance (Musician-in-Residence, 2006 - 2018).

TU Innovatium Department of Dance "One night in 2006, Towson University dance professor Vincent Thomas was at a poetry slam where Talifero performed. Afterward, the two exchanged business cards, and the beatboxer has been working with Towson University ever since. "Sitting in a cafe chair my body and spirits began to move. I was so intrigued with what sounds were being captured in the tightly held microphone," Thomas says about that initial meeting. "It was a musical journey, like riding the roller coaster of Space Mountain. I had to know more about him and to hear more of his musical abilities. My mind immediately raced to my modern dance classes I was teaching at Towson University." "I knew his musical abilities would pair with physical bodies moving through space. This is artistic and educational research firsthand, Thomas adds." - Towson University.
Boxemics / Proxemics Movement III (Aerial Dance): "Corps de Ballet" by Kate Hutchison. Breath Art score composed by Shodekeh. Winner of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Award of Best Integration of Music at the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival, 2023.

Aerial Improv with Shodekeh The dance companies and programs that Shodekeh has created original compositions for: The American Dance Festival @ Duke University. The Community College of Baltimore County Dance Program. The Aura Dance Theater of Kaunus, Lithuania. "Dance Fest" @ Michigan State University. Deep Vision Dance Company. The Johns Hopkins University Modern Dance Company. Teelin Irish Dance. The Towson University Department of Dance.

The choreographers that Shodekeh has created compositions for: Christian Richards. Dianne McIntyre & Doug Elkins @ The American Dance Festival. Elizabeth Terschuur's final MFA concert "Off The Grid" @ The UCLA Department of World Arts Cultures/Dance. Jayne Bernasconi. Jeanne Pheffer @ The American Dance Festival. "Corps de Ballet" by Kate Hutchinson. "Paper Jam" by Krysia Bock. Nancy Wanich-Romita. Nicole Martinell. Runqiao Du. Senga Nengudi. Shani Collins & Stafford Berry @ The American Dance Festival. "Witness" by Vincent Thomas @ The Kennedy Center.
Voxemics / Proxemics Exhibit C (Emulative Vocal Percussion for Aerial Dance): "Corps de Ballet" by Kate Hutchinson. Breath Art music score composed by Shodekeh. Winner of Best Film Score Award at the Roma Short Film Festival in Rome, Italy, 2023.

Dear Terry.... Sincerely, Nancy & Jayne jam exploration with breath artist Shodekeh "The wispy quality of professional ballerinas sets a precedent for aspiring dancers that is often unachievable through healthy practices. As a result, young dancers are typically tempted to change their bodies by overexercising or under-eating. According to a study in 2019, dancers are three times more likely to develop an eating disorder than non-dancers. In my interviews with current and former ballet dancers, I found their stories of body shame and eating disorders echoed my own. To start conversations about body shame in the performing arts, I am creating a collaborative video project using aerial dance and original music to express how ballet shaped my body image. This piece will demonstrate the restriction of body shame and the freedom of relinquishing that shame." - Choreographer Kate Hutchinson.
Boxemics / Proxemics, Movement IV (Sculptural Dance): "Warp Trance Riff" by Senga Nengudi & Shodekeh @ The Fine Arts Center of Colorado College. Breath Art master class led by Shodekeh for Eiko Otake's "The Nakedness of Being" @ CC, 2024 - 2025.

Theatre and Dance Department Shodekeh's pilot role as the 2024 - 2025 NEH Breath Artist-in-Residence, his class "Breath Art: Creative Breathing Methodologies" and his breath art master class for Eiko Otake's "The Nakedness of Being" was created in partnership with the Colorado College Department of Theatre & Dance and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities Professorship @ Colorado College.

Dance departments & programs that Shodekeh has led Breath Art & Voice + Movement Master Classes for: Ailey Camp Baltimore. The American Dance Festival @ Duke University. The Colorado College Department of Theatre & Dance. Naropa University Dance Courses. The BFA Program of the Peabody Conservatory @ Johns Hopkins University. The Santa Monica College Department of Dance. The Towson University Department of Dance. The University of Colorado Boulder Department of Theatre & Dance. The University of Michigan Department of Dance. The Virginia Tech School of Performing Arts Dance Courses.
Voxemics / Proxemics Exhibit D (Embodied Vocal Percussion for Sculptural Dance): "Warp Trance Riff" by S. Nengudi, Shodekeh & Ella B. Boyd @ The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center @ Colorado College. Composed by Shodekeh, 2024 - 2025.

Senga Nengudi: Warp Trance - Fine Arts Center "At the Fine Arts Center, Nengudi presents her multichannel video and audio installation Warp Trance (2007), which she developed during a residency at the Fabric Workshop and Museum in Philadelphia. Footage she recorded of mechanical jacquard looms is projected onto hundreds of laced-together perforated punch cards of the kind used in the weaving process—often cited as precursors to computer programming. This, combined with the mesmerizing sound of the looms in action, offers an immersive interplay of color, texture, and rhythm. A deconstruction of the textile-making process, Warp Trance brings Nengudi’s abiding interest in movement and ritual into conversation with historical industrial machinery and histories of labor. The artist invites the public to walk or dance around the installation." - The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center @ Colorado College.
Boxemics / Proxemics, Movement V (Phenomenological Dance): "Breath Art: The Past, Present & Future of Creative Breathing" presented by Shodekeh for "The Torrance Festival of Ideas" @ The University of Georgia, 2021.

Torrance Festival of Ideas Philosophies of Movement & Dance that Shodekeh has directly engaged with as a live musician, composer and Breath Artist: Process Art + Sculptural Movement (Senga Nengudi). Embodied Histories (Eiko Otake). Dance Informances & Core Movement Skills for Men (Professor Vincent Thomas). BrainDance (Developed by Anne Green Gilbert).

Shodekeh's core tenets of Kinesthetic Breath according to his Primary Modalities of Breath Art: Fetal Breath. Postural Breath. Ambulatory Breath. Activated Breath. Tactile Breath.
Voxemics / Proxemics Exhibit B (Improvisational Vocal Percussion for Modern Dance): Shodekeh, Music Faculty for the American Dance Festival NYC @ LaGuardia Arts, 2009.

American Dance Festival: Home "The American Dance Festival has been a magnet drawing together diverse artists, styles, theories, and dance training methods; from this creative mix the ADF has emerged as the sponsor of performances by some of the greatest choreographers and dance companies of our time. Jack Anderson traces the development of ADF from its beginnings in New England to its seasons at Duke University. He displays the ADF for the multidimensional creature it is—a center for performances, a school for the best young dancers in the country, and a provider of community and professional services." - "The American Dance Festival" by Jack Anderson. Published by Duke University Press.

Available for Purchase

25x25
Available on Cantaloupe Music
https://cantaloupemusic.com/albums/25x25

Museum Danger: Film, Art & Visual Interpretations of the Human Beatbox.

Current Film & Visual Work: Shodekeh is actively one of seven musicians/subjects featured in the major motion picture documentary "Our Rhythm", now currently shooting in Brazil, which also had it's first major trailer screening this year at the 2017 TEDxPittsburgh.

Jazz Stracts: A painting created live in the moment by artist David Cunningham, of a performance at Center Stage featuring Shodekeh & Jazz musicians Kevin Robinson & Vatel Cherry, 2008.

"Mr. Cunningham is a developing artist who is constantly working with people and observing many situations through creative problem solving. His emphasis has been to create a greater perception and clarity in his waking version of the world. He cares a great deal for the children and adults he meets each day. The social concerns and qualities for the development of life through the means of art is his current language of choice. As a painter, Mr. Cunningham opens many doors in order to decipher a renewal within his vision." - The Maryland State Arts Council.
River / Alash: Artwork by Jabari Weathers.

"He is presently seeking refuge in Baltimore, Maryland. Currently, he makes fantasy and sci-fi art for himself and others to keep up his glamor (and because it’s fun). Other things that he enjoys are pen and paper role playing games, singing in public places, and things that are thoroughly uncanny." - About the artist Jabari Weathers.
Hood.
Tuv.
Shu-De: A dynamic & cinematic case study in filmmaking, music documentation & the dangers of context negligence on & behind the camera.
Our Rhythm: A dynamic & cinematic case study in filmmaking, music documentation & the holistic benefits of contextual exploration, featuring Shodekeh.
DC.
Musical Interpretationist in Residence: My kinetic music installation for the Resident Reunion Group Exhibition @ The Creative Alliance, February 6th - March 19th, 2016.

"Creative Alliance is proud to present the Resident Artists Reunion Group Exhibition. Nearly 50 artists have made The Patterson’s eight studios, where they live and work, a home since 2003 after the Creative Alliance redeveloped the vacant Patterson Movie Theater into Baltimore’s premier multi-arts center." - The Creative Alliance.
Ireland.
Air Branches: An X-ray image of my lungs, reinterpreted & synthesized with an illustrated windpipe & tree branches by multimedia visual artist Erica Hansen.

"This body of work examines the psyology and mythology of song. They were created to illustrate the embodiment of song through three specific vocal artists and traditions. Beat-Boxing, Operatic singing, and Tuvian Throat singing were embodied by Dominic Shodekeh, Bonnie Lander and Ian Hessler, in a series of performances through 2012. Embody Air, Fire, and Water are part of an animation series that accompanies the performers." - Erican Hansen.

The 5th Element: The Timeless Traditions of Hip Hop, Beatboxing & B-Boy Subculture in the 21st Century.

Previous Hip Hop Collaborations: KRS-ONE. DJ Q-Bert. The American Beatbox Championships. DOA. Kenny Muhammad: The Human Orchestra.

City Paper Big Music Issue, Hip Hop Edition.
Sho @ the J Dilla Tribute, hosted by Grap Luva.
Sho & Jerell, Sons of Hip Hop.
Graffiti Mandalas.
Shodekeh, Q Bert & Rizqi Rachmat.
Lester Spence's photo research for the book Stare in the Darkness: The Limits of Hip-hop and Black Politics.
Sho & Symantyx.
The 5th Element United: Shodekeh + Max Bent together representing the Human Beatbox, one of the primary pillars of Hip Hop Culture. Photo by Julie Bent.

"Max Bent makes music with his mouth. Beat boxing is the vocal art of producing percussive and melodic elements simultaneously using the mouth, tongue, sinus cavity, etc. Max has 22 years of beat boxing experience and has performed widely in both the real and virtual world. He is best known for his tutorial videos on the popular beat box website www.beatbox.TV. He organized the 2003 DC beat box expo and released a successful beat box themed DVD entitled Foundations. Max is currently developing a beat boxing program for middle school and high school students in Baltimore, MD." - The Maryland State Arts Council.
The Hip Hop tradition of Beatboxing, influenced by Go Go Traditions.
HH.

CULTURAL FIRST C: "Achai" on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, "Embodiments" on Ear Up Records & U.S. + Southern Siberian Concert Tours featuring the Alash Ensemble & Shodekeh (Diplomacy as Research), 2011 - 2024.

Diplomatic / Curatorial Statement: "Shodargan, my Tuvan name gifted to me last Winter in Southern Siberia by Dargan, the legendary blacksmith of The Tuvan Cultural Center in Kyzyl, Tuva." - Shodekeh, 2015. Since his first curated encounter with the mysteries and complexities of Tuvan Throat Singing in 2006 at the High Zero Festival, and beginning his collaborations with Alash, one of the world's leading Tuvan Khoomei ensemble, Shodekeh has become a major curatorial advocate for modern day fusions with this ancient tradition. The name "Shodargan" represents the direct synthesis of his Hip Hop-based techniques and musicality with the diverse forms of Tuvan Khoomei here in the U.S., throughout Southern Siberia of the Russian Federation and on site in one of the world capitals of Khoomei in Kyzyl, Tuva. Without seeking assistance from the highly regarded Fulbright Fellowship or other embassy-oriented initiatives, Shodekeh and Alash have developed more unique grassroots methods for the cultivation of their musical exchanges, which in turns secures their musical and cultural innovations without any outside interference. Regarding the misunderstood and misappropriated uses of Hip Hop's indispensable element of Beatboxing, and the linguistically endangered tradition of Tuvan Khoomei, a creative hands-on approach regarding the fusion of these two vocal paradigms becomes essential. All of this in turn has enabled Shodekeh to become highly adept in fellowship adjudication, cultural curation, musical diplomacy, performance and programming in the context of world music fusion and collaboration. Musical + cultural advocacy and "paralinguistic musical improvisation" are additional skill sets that allow him to transcend boundaries that may exist between musicians of different languages and indigenous sound traditions. Shodekeh's previous work in this context of dynamic cultural fusion and musical diplomacy includes collaborations with the Asian Arts & Culture Center @ Towson University, the Baltimore Sister City Kawasaki (Japan) Committee, the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance, Lijiang Studios in Lijiang, China, the One Beat program in partnership with the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Smithsonian Center for Folklife & Cultural Heritage, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, the Tuvan Cultural Center of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Tuva and the U.S. Embassy of Lithuania." - Dominic Shodekeh Talifero.

"Alash’s inclusion of master beatboxer and musical adventurer Shodekeh on the album represents a deliberate choice in their vision of the future development of Tuvan music. Since Alash’s formation, the group members have sought to master the roots of their deep musical heritage and yet find ways to participate in the interconnected sound world of the 21st century. Performing with Shodekeh, himself the bearer of a rich but often misunderstood vocal tradition, creates a real-time musical connection between living performers, organically created and deeply rooted, yet futuristic. Shodekeh is a professional beatboxer, vocal percussionist, and hip hop-xöömei artist based in Baltimore, Maryland, whose deep interest in experimenting and collaborating with varying musical cultures and genres takes him to destinations worldwide. Shodekeh’s first trip to Tuva was documented in the 2016 film Shu-de! From classical, jazz, and modern dance to reinterpretations of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Shodekeh’s ability simultaneously to act as a preservationist and catalyst for change serves his many creative and rhythmic travels as an individual musician, and as founding director and lead curator of Embody, a festival of the vocal arts. About his work with Alash, Shodekeh enthuses, “My experience working with Alash has been very organic, fluid, synchronistic. To be given a rare opportunity to add my sound in tribute not only to Tuva, but also to Kongar-ool Ondar, the musical father of the ensemble (which makes him one of my musical uncles), tells me that we’re the next generation of ambassadors, preservationists, and storytellers. The journey continues, as well as the culture and the music.” - Smithsonian Folkways Recordings / Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.

Shodekeh's Diplomatic Itinerography: American Month of Culture Artist Residency at the U.S. Embassy of Lithuania, 2009. The Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance board memeber (2012 - 2018). Rhymes With Opera advisory board member (2011 - 2012). The Asian Arts & Culture Center advisory board member @ Towson University (2017 - 2022). The Baltimore Kawasaki Sister City Committee advisory board member (2017 - 2022). The Arthur Friedheim Music Library advisory board member of the Peabody Conservatory @ Johns Hopkins University (2018 - 2021). Artist Residency at Lijiang Studio in Lijiang, China, 2019.

Shodekeh's Khöömeiography: Shodekeh's Artist Residency at the Tuvan Cultural Center in Kyzyl, Tuva in 2012, 2014 & 2019. "Achai" with the Alash Ensemble, released by Smithsonian Folkways, 2017. The Alash Ensemble 2017 U.S. Fall Tour, 2018 U.S Spring Tour, 2018 U.S. Fall Tour, 2019 U.S. Spring Tour, 2019 Fall Tour, 2020 U.S. Winter Tour. "Embodiments" with Bady Dorzhu Ondar of Alash, released by Ear Up Records, 2022.

Shodargan Bibliography: "Overtone Singing: History, Development, and Influence in Contemporary Music" by Jocelyn Black (California State University Master's Theses). "Rhythms of the shaman's Drum" published by the International Khoomei Center, 2013. "Tuva or Bust!" by Ralph Leighton. "Where Rivers and Mountains Sing: Sound, Music, and Nomadism in Tuva and Beyond" by Ted Levin & Valentina Suzukei.

Shodargan Research Discography: Alash Ensemble: "Alash" (2007), "Buura" (2011) "Achai" (2015, re-released in 2017), "Meni Mana" (2020), "The Pathless Soundtrack + Meditations" (2020). Kongar-ol Ondar: "Genghis Blues Soundtrack" (1996), "Echoes of Tuva" (1996), "Tuva Groove" (1999), "Back Tuva Future" (1999). Huun Huur Tu: "60 Horses in my Herd" (1993), "The Orphan's Lament" (1994), "Fly, Fly My Sadness" (1996), "If I'd Be Born an Eagle" (1997), "Where the Young Grass Grows" (1999), "Ancestor's Call" (2010). The Tuvan National Orchestra self-titled album (2018). "Tuva: Voices From the Center of Asia" by Smithsonian Folkways (1990). "Tuva, Among the Spirits: Sound, Music and Nature in Sakha and Tuva" by Smithsonian Folkways (1999). "Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers" by the Wu Tang Clan, 1993.

Shodargan Overtone I (Khoomei / хөөмей): Tuvan Throat Singing + Hip Hop Fusion in the form of Alash & Shodekeh @ TED Talks (2016) & "Taste of Tuva" @ Towson University (2018), leading to the evolution of the album "Embodiments" in 2022.

Alash and Shodekeh Sho'dekeh & Alash Institutions & venues at which Alash & Shodekeh has presented their live collaborations throughout the United States: The American Folk Festival. The Asian Arts @ Culture Center of Towson University. Baltimore Boom Bap Society. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Orch KIDS. The Carolina Theatre. Colorado College. The Creative Alliance. East Tennessee State University. Elgin Community College. Embody, A Festival & Series of the Vocal Arts. Falls Church. Festival International de Louisiane. Folklore Village. The Grand Opera House. Le Poisson Rouge. Liberty Bellows. The National Folk Festival. The Philadelphia Folk Festival. The Purple Fiddle. Rhizome DC. The Rochester Civic Theatre. The Rotunda of the University of Pennsylvania. Shure Headquarters. The Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art. Synod Hall. TED Talks @ Morgan State University. The University of Chicago. Penn Arts & Sciences @ The University of Pennsylvania. WEAA 88.9 FM Morgan State Radio. WTMD 89.7 FM Towson University Radio. The Wind Up Space.

Alash & Shodekeh U.S. National Tours: Winter 2016. Spring 2017. Fall 2017. Summer 2018. Fall 2019. Winter 2020.
Shodargan / Comparative Musicology Exhibit A (Doshpuluur / дошпулуур): Alash, featuring Shodekeh @ TED Talks, 2016.

Alash, with IIR Shodekeh Talifero "Since Alash and beatboxer Shodekeh first met in 2011, they have forged an ongoing friendship and an ever evolving musical collaboration. Shodekeh, based in Baltimore, Maryland, is a vocal percussionist and breath artist who serves as musical accompanist and composer in residence for Towson University’s Department of Dance, as well as dance accompanist at Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute. Shodekeh often tours with Alash in the States, and he has become a regular visitor to Tuva. The 2016 documentary film Shu-de! directed by Michael Faulkner, documents Shodekeh’s musical journey to Tuva and features Alash and other musicians. Alash and Shodekeh continue to build a unique musical and cultural bridge between Baltimore, Maryland, and Kyzyl, Tuva. Bady-Dorzhu Ondar of Alash joined Shodekeh and friends to create the music for Traveler, a short video animated by students at the Maryland Institute College of Art Animation Department." - Alash Ensemble.

Available for Purchase

Achai by Alash & special guest Shodekeh
Available on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
https://folkways.si.edu/alash/achai
Shodargan Overtone II (Kargyraa / каргыраа): Kongar-ol Ondar, Khöömei master & the first artistic director of Alash, performing with Shodekeh at the Tuvan Cultural Center (founded by Kongar-ol) in Kyzyl, Tuva, 2012.

Asian Arts & Culture Center Centre for Tuvan Culture Institutions and artists that Shodekeh has collaborated with as a musical ambassador: Abhishek Basu of India. Advisory Board Member of the Asian Arts & Culture Center @ Towson University (2017 - 2021). Advisory Board Member of the Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee (2017 - 2021). "Bahaus, Beatbox & Braille" presented for the European Union Open House @ The German Embassy in Washington DC. The Iberi Choir of Georgia. The Kyzyl Arts College of Tuva. Lijiang Studio of Lijiang, China. Musical Collaborator & Adjudicator for the One Beat program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (2018 - 2021). Prudence Mabhena of Zimbabwe for the VSA International Festival @ The Kennedy Center. The Silkroad Ensemble (Founded by Yo-Yo Ma). Soo Yeon Lyuh & The Korean Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The U.S. Embassy of Lithuania (The American Month of Culture Artist Residency, 2009). World Refugee Day, with the Refugee Youth Project @ The Walters Art Museum.

Institutions & venues at which Alash & Shodekeh has presented their live collaborations throughout the Russian Federation & The Republic of Tuva (Southern Siberia): The Abakan Music Festival. The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Tuva. The National Music & Drama Theater of Kyzyl, Tuva. The Republican Russian Drama Theater in Abakan, Russia. The Tuvan Cultural Center. The Tuvan National Orchestra.
Shodargan / Comparative Musicology Exhibit B (Chanzy / чанзы): "SHU DE!" Big Sky Documentary Trailer featuring Shodekeh, Alash, Kongar-ol Ondar & The Tuvan National Orchestra, 2017.

Celebrity traveler: Shodekeh's musical treks "A documentary by Michael R. Faulkner, SHU-DE! follows American beatboxer, Shodekeh, as he embarks on a musical journey half way around the world to Kyzyl, Tuva where he collaborates and competes with some of the world’s best throat singers. This experiential documentary unfolds amidst the remote and wild landscapes of Tuva in Southern Siberia and includes performances by Kongar-ol Ondar, Alash Ensemble, Tuvan National Orchestra, Annie Lynch (Annie and the Beekeepers), and others." - Letterboxd.
Shodargan Overtone III (Sygyt / сыгыт): Shodekeh's very 1st concept of collaborating with a professional Throat Singer, which was Fuyuki Yamakawa of Tokyo, Japan. This took place at the High Zero Festival of Experimental Improvised Music, 2006.

Iberi Choir live in Baltimore part 1 Professional Tuvan Khoomei (Throat Singing) & Overtone Musicians that Shodekeh has collaborated with: The Alash Ensemble. Akim Funk Buddah. Erik Spangler. Fuyuki Yamakawa. Huun Huur Tu. The Iberi Choir of Georgia. Khoomei Beat. Kongar-ool Ondar. Masai Electro. Melissa Hyatt Foss. The Tuva Ensemble. The Tuvan National Orchestra. Ugulza of Kyzyl, Tuva.

Musical Conferences & Festivals Showcasing the Vocal Arts that Shodekeh has participated in: The American Beatbox Championships (2010). Embody, A Festival & Series of the Vocal Arts (Founding Director, 2010 - 2019). The High Zero Festival of Experimental Improvised Music (2006 - 2007). The 2004 International Human Beatbox Conference in New York City (As the Vice President of Beatboxer Entertainment, Inc). The International Khoomei Competition @ The Tuvan Cultural Center (2012).

Available for Purchase

Blackwater Vision Quest : Fuyuki Yamakawa: Digital Music https://www.amazon.com/Blackwater-Vision-Quest-Fuyuki-Yamakawa/dp/B004PWGJS6
Shodargan / Comparative Musicology Exhibit C (Shyngyrash / шынгыраш): Fuyuki Yamakawa & Shodekeh's "Polyglot" from the album "Blackwater Vision Quest" released by the High Zero Festival of Experimental Improvised Music, 2006.

High Zero: 2006 Documentation "Fuyuki Yamakawa (b 1973, UK) is a ‘Khoomei’ singer, performer, sound creator who lives and works in Yokohama. He completes a Master Course in Tama Art University in 1999, and currently teaches in Tokyo University of the Arts and Tama Art University. His performance often includes his improvisation of musical happenings picks up and amplifying the sound of his heartbeat with an electronic stethoscope. By expressing himself through sound and light, he creates a deep resonance to the space as well as to the audience." - San Art.

Available for Purchase

Blackwater Vision Quest : Fuyuki Yamakawa: Digital Music https://www.amazon.com/Blackwater-Vision-Quest-Fuyuki-Yamakawa/dp/B004PWGJS6
Shodargan Overtone V (Chylandyk / Чыландык): "Achai" album & liner notes by Alash featuring Shodekeh, released & archived by Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, 2017.

Achai - Smithsonian Folkways Recordings Chügle Sen Sen (Only You) - Smithsonian Folkways Recordings "Achai" Album Musicians: Bady Dorzhu Ondar, Ayan-ool Sam, Ayan Shirizhik & Dominic Shodekeh Talifero.

Album Credits: Produced by Scott Alan Stewart and Sean Quirk. Recorded by Mike Monseur, Bias Studios, Springfield, Virginia. Additional recording by Ben Mangold. Mixed by Bob Dawson, Bias Studios, Springfield, Virginia. Mastered by Mike Monseur, Bias Studios. Annotated by Sean Quirk. Photos by Vladimir Mongush. Illustrations by Jabari Weathers. Executive producers: Huib Schippers, Daniel E. Sheehy and D. A. Sonneborn. Production manager: Mary Monseur. Editorial assistance by James Deutsch and Marissa Walker. Art direction, design and layout by Krystyn MacGregor.
Shodargan / Comparative Musicology Exhibit D (Shoor / шоор): Alash's "Achai" released by Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, featuring special guest Shodekeh, 2017.

Achai - Track List "Alash’s inclusion of master beatboxer and musical adventurer Shodekeh on the album represents a deliberate choice in their vision of the future development of Tuvan music. Since Alash’s formation, the group members have sought to master the roots of their deep musical heritage and yet find ways to participate in the interconnected sound world of the 21st century. Performing with Shodekeh, himself the bearer of a rich but often misunderstood vocal tradition, creates a real-time musical connection between living performers, organically created and deeply rooted, yet futuristic." - Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.

Available for Purchase

Achai - Smithsonian Folkways Recordings https://folkways.si.edu/alash/achai
Shodargan Overtone IV (Ezenggileer / Эзеңгилээр): "Embodiments" by Bady Dorzhu Ondar & Shodekeh, the 1st fusion album of Tuvan Khoomei + Hip Hop. Animation music video by the Maryland Institute College of Art Animation Department. Released in 2022.

Embodiments - Bady-Dorzhu Ondar & Shodekeh "Traveler" by Bady-Dorzhu Ondar & Shodekeh (Official Music ..."Embodiments" was recorded @ WTMD Studios 89.7 FM, Towson University radio on October 10th, 2019. Album Musicians: Bady Dorzhu Ondar, Dominic Shodekeh Talifero, Joyce J. Scott, Wendel Patrick, Jasmine Pope, Eze Jackson, Erik Spangler, Rafaela Dreisin & Donnie Carlo.

Album Executive Produced by Shodekeh, Bady Dorzhu Ondar & Sean Quirk. Recorded, Mixed and Mastered at WTMD Studios by Donnie Carlo. WTMD Administrator: Sam Sessa. Cover Art and Album Design by Robert HakalskI. Released by Ear Up Records, 2022. The commission for the "Traveler" animation video was created by the Sweaty Eyeballs Animation Festival & produced by the Maryland Institute College of Art Animation Department in 2020.

"Embodiments" was completed as Shodekeh's 2019 - 2020 "Innovation Capstone I" during his inaugural role as the "Innovator-in-Residence" @ The Towson University College of Fine Arts & Communication from January 2019 - July 2022.

Available for Purchase

Achai - Smithsonian Folkways Recordings https://folkways.si.edu/alash/achai
Shodargan / Comparative Musicology Exhibit E (Igil / игил): "Embodiments" full album by Bady Dorzhu Ondar of Alash & Shodekeh. Released by Ear Up Records, 2022.

Bady-Dorzhu Ondar & Shodekeh Ear Up Records "It would be tempting to say that on the evening October 10, 2019, something unique and inimitable took place at WTMD studios in Towson Maryland, and in a way, that would be true, but it also doesn’t tell the full story. It was indeed a unique event, in that it was the first and only time in history that this unique group of artists gathered together to create a studio recording in front of a live audience. All of these artists - vocalists, DJs, rappers, banjo pickers, trumpeters, beatboxers, keyboardists, and more, were pulled into orbit for this one night by the two musicians at the center of the project, two men from two vastly different places, with a single vision - Bady-Dorzhu Ondar and Shodekeh. And yet the event was not really so surprising or unique, in that it represented a culmination of nearly a decade of collaboration between Bady, Shodekeh, and very frequently the rest of the musicians from that evening." - Ear Up Records.

CULTURAL FIRST D: Classical & Orchestral Innovations with Shodekeh, The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Carnegie Hall, Marin Alsop, Meredith Monk, The Peabody Conservatory & Sō Percussion (Composition as Research), 2009 - 2026.

Compositional / Curatorial Statement: Shodekeh defines the "Coda Theory" as the musical and cultural intervention / fusion practices of adapting Hip Hop pedagogies and Beatboxing techniques to Classical Canon and forms. This leaves listeners with the question, "Is this Classical or Hip Hop?" The argument is that the fusion methodologies take place in such a way that it can no longer be considered Classical, as the musical interventions naturally disrupts the hierarchal structures of the canon, no matter any level of institutional or ideological resistance. It now must be described as Hip Hop, or perhaps another creative description must be considered or applied. Through his countless collaborations in this context, Shodekeh has become highly skilled in classical form adaptation, percussion composition, musical intervention methodologies, the curation + programming of classical fusion and Beatbox-based creative methods of "improvising as arrangement."

"This gifted beatboxer has defied all logic when it comes to making music. Without instrument or song, he’s performed with the BSO, taught workshops at Peabody, and founded the must-see Embody series, using stamina and originality to flaunt the wonders of the human voice." - Baltimore Magazine: The Music Issue.

"You could call Shodekeh (a.k.a. Dominic Earle Shodekeh Talifero) a beatboxer or a vocal percussionist, if you want to feel a little more refined about it. But what the Baltimore-based musician seems to be more than anything is a chameleon, breathing out entire rhythm and bass tracks and blending them into a borderless range of performance situations. Armed with an attention-grabbing talent and a laid-back charm, he has shared stages with hip hop artists, ballet dancers, and jazz musicians all over the country. This summer he’ll take a bow with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Even Roger Ebert is a fan. Shodekeh finds a very beneficial exchange of ideas in this promiscuous genre-hopping. “I like to be challenged,” he explains. “It pushes me more, as a person who’s looking to always up the ante in regards to my musicianship.” With no formal musical training, he admits that he may initially have been seeking validation from other realms of music, but these days he’s simply looking to push himself and others in their creative artistry. It’s a strategy he finds makes for a good learning experience all around. Though plenty of young beatboxers find inspiration listening to the records of big-name artists like Doug E. Fresh and Rahzel (formerly of The Roots), Shodekeh says that the skills are just as likely to be passed on informally through a friend, a brother, or even a fellow beatboxer met by chance at a party. “Most of the time it’s a very organic, personal thing,” he says. “It’s definitely the kind of tradition where it’s one man’s journey or one woman’s journey. It’s kind of like learning how to cook just from hanging out in the kitchen with your mother.” When the tricks and skills of the trade are mastered, there also seems to be a kind of magician’s ethics in play. In an interview, Shodekeh is careful not to “give away” the methods and ideas behind the signature sounds of other artists. He does, however, seem to take a particular delight in the informal and impromptu skill-sharing that can happen when your instrument is always available, whether that’s performing with new voices at an improv session or breaking down the fourth wall and getting the audience in on creating the beats. In his own work, Shodekeh does not use any formal notation system, but he does point out how alphabet notation combined with some algebraic rules could convey ideas fairly efficiently. He does have pieces, in a sense, or perhaps what might be better characterized as cadenzas that he has composed and perfected structurally and can mix into a live performance, but plenty of room remains in his sets for improvisation and that’s a vital part of the equation in his mind. He explains that the approach “allows for a moment to really, truly exist. It’s just like a jazz concert. You have the springboard that’s written but you don’t know what’s going to happen in the middle, and that’s the beauty of it.” Though he also loves the work he does now as faculty accompanist for Towson University’s dance department as well as at the American Dance Festival at Duke University, Shodekeh is hesitant to take his work too deeply into the academy and formalize in that way. “I think it can exist organically anywhere,” he says, “but I don’t like the idea of teaching it in an academic setting. Not everything has to be institutionalized.” Still, education and experimentation are central to his work. Shodekeh’s most recent project, Embody, seeks to bring together a broad range of vocal artists under one umbrella and put what was once his more private pursuit of genre exploration front and center on the stage. A recent performance under this headline showcased a throat singer, an operatically trained vocalist, and of course Shodekeh’s personal brand of vocal percussion. He points out that “there is a lot of experimentation in beatboxing, actually a big part of it is nothing but experimentation. So I’m really interested in seeing how these realms can fuse with one another.” His ideas for cross-collaboration don’t stop there. “I would love to see a professional whistler with a throat singer, or a beatboxer with a yodeler,” he suggests. “I think we all have a lot to learn from one another.” - New Music USA.

Shodekeh's Symphonography (2008 - 2025): Shodekeh's past work in this fusion context includes direct collaborations with the American Opera Theater, the Baltimore Symphonic Band, The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra with Marin Alsop, the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, the BSO Orch Kids, Classical Revolution, the Columbia Orchestra, the Connecticut Youth Symphony, the Evolution Contemporary Music Series, Frederick Regional Youth Orchestra, Hartford Symphony Orchestra with Carolyn Kuan, the Hopkins Symphony Orchestra, the In Opera Series, the Kandinsky Trio, the Kronos Quartet, the League of American Orchestras National Conference, Meredith Monk, Mobtown Modern, Occasional Symphony, the Opus 89 Youth Orchestra @ The Hartt School of the University of Hartford, The Peabody String Sinfonia, Rhymes With Opera, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Sō Percussion's 2022 Spring Tour & 2023 Spring Tour, and the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra.

Coda Bibliography: "12 Notes On Life and Creativity" by Quincy Jones. "The Pedagogy of Becoming: Identity Formation through the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids and Venezuela’s El Sistema" by Ann H. Shoemaker (Dissertation submitted at the University of North Carolina).

Coda Research Discography: Deep Purple live with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, 1969. "Gone Till November" by Wyclef Jean with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, 1997. "Roseland NYC Live" by Portishead and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, 1998. Kenny Muhammad's live performance with the New York City Symphony Orchestra and conductor David Eaton, 2000. "Swinging Bach" by Bobby McFerrin and the Leipzig Symphony Orchestra, 2000. "The Architect" by Rob Swift, 2010. "RE: GENERATION"by DJ Premier with the Berklee Symphony Orchestra featuring Nas, 2012. Mozart's "Divertimento for String Trio," 1788. "String Quartet No. 3" by Felix Mendelssohn, 1838. "Youkali" by Kurt Weill, 1934. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by Benjamin Britten, 1960. "Suite No. 3" by Bach.

Coda, Prelude I (Symphonic / Adaptive Compositions): "Fujiko's Fairy Tale" U.S. Premier + The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Marin Alsop & Shodekeh, 2010. BSO Mid Week Education Concerts Residency with Shodekeh, 2017.

BALTIMORE VOICES BSO Take-Outs @ The Crown Shodekeh & BSO Percussionists Brian Prechtl & Barry Dove Symphonies & Philharmonic Orchestras that Shodekeh has appeared as a soloist with: The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra. The Columbia Orchestra. The Hartford Symphony Orchestra. The Hopkins Symphony Orchestra @ Johns Hopkins University. The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. The Shreveport Symphony Orchestra.

World & National Premieres: The U.S. Premier of "Fujiko's Fairy Tale" composed by Jenna Vanio with soloist Shodekeh, conductor Marin Alsop & The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra @ The Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, July 23rd, 2010. The world premiere of "Deadlock" composed by Dr. Ruby Fulton with soloist Shodekeh, conductor Michael Butterman & the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra @ The University of Colorado Boulder, March 24th, 2012. The world premiere of "Vodalities" composed by Shodekeh in performance with So Percussion @ Carnegie Hall, December 11th, 2021.
Coda / Bridge Exhibit A (Adaptive Vocal Percussion for Music Composition): Shodekeh Rehearses with Marin Alsop & the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for the U.S. premiere of "Fujiko's Fairy Tale." Vocal Percussion composed & arranged by Shodekeh, 2010.

Q&A with Shodekeh Jennah Vainio (arr. Viitasaari): Beatbox Concerto for wind ...Variations for Four Drums "On Friday night we witnessed a man reach an important milestone in his life and career. While validation comes in many forms there are only a few moments in a person’s life that pay dividends quite the way this one did for Shodekeh. Once an usher at The Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, he returned to astound those in the audience who had yet to experience his talent. For those of us who have watched him progress over the years, the moment conjured a sense of pride and inspiration. Shodekeh stood on that stage with many of the most respected musicians in the city because he made the necessary sacrifices to do so. The fact that he did it on his own terms was as impressive as the performance." - What Weekly.
Coda, Prelude II (Experimental / Vocal Compositions): "Dolmen Music, Part 1 (Shodekeh’s Embody & Continuums Remix)" remixed by Shodekeh for MONK MIX: Remixes and Interpretations of Music by Meredith Monk, 2012. Album concert premiere at Joe's Pub, 2012.

Meredith Monk Dolmen Music, Part I Shodekeh's Embody & Continuum Remix Classical works that Shodekeh has created live reinterpretations of: "Clapping Music" by Steve Reich, with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. "Divertimento in D major, K. 136: I. Allegro, II. Andante & III. Presto" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart & "The Flight of The Bumblebee" by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. "In C" by Terry Riley, with Mobtown Modern. "Stay On It" by Julius Eastman, with Classical Revolution. "Songspiel" by Kurt Weill, with Sylvia McNair & American Opera Theatre. "The Maple Leaf Rag" by Scott Joplin, with Jon Nakamatsu. "New York Counterpoint" by Steve Reich, with the Evolution Contemporary Music Series. "String Quartet No. 3 in D major Op. 44 No.1" by Felix Mendelssohn, with Classical Revolution. "Symphony No. 41 in C major, K. 551, The Jupiter Symphony" by Mozart, with the The Opus 89 Youth Orchestra @ The Hartt School of the University of Hartford. "Variations For Four Drums & Viola" by Michael Colgrass, with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Violist Peter Minkler. "Ysaye", by Eugene Ysaye, with Classical Revolution.

Soloists that Shodekeh has collaborated in a live duet with: Baroque Cellist Wade Davis. Soprano Rebecca Duren. Violinist Sirena Huang. Pianist Lura Johnson. Violist Peter Minkler. Pianist Jon Nakamatsu. Violinist Evelyn Petcher.

Available for Purchase

Dolmen Music - Meredith Monk
Available on ECM Records
https://ecmrecords.com/product/dolmen-music-meredith-monk/
Coda / Bridge Exhibit B (Abstractive Vocal Percussion for Music Composition): Dolmen Music, (feat. Shodekeh’s Remix) composed, curated, arranged & remixed by Shodekeh for MONK MIX: Remixes and Interpretations of Music by Meredith Monk, 2012.

MONK MIX: Remixes & Interpretations of Meredith Monk Baltimore Magazine's "Best of Baltimore" Award: Best Homage for Shodekeh's Meredith Monk Remix, 2012. Featuring co-performers & co-composers Dr. Erik Spangler, Max Bent, Kate Porter & Bonnie Lander.

"It’s darn near impossible to reinterpret material from a musical icon without diluting the original’s vitality or tampering with some key component of the artist’s vision. But local beatboxer Shodekeh effectively re-imagined Meredith Monk’s classic “Dolmen Music” as a hip-hop instrumental by enhancing it with a battery of rhythmic flourishes. Monk’s original displayed plenty of depth but not much drive, while the Shodekeh track, featured on Monk Mix, favored solid beats over the drift of abstraction. It exuded mystery, even as it flexed newfound might, and proved to be the highlight of a collection that also featured Bjork and DJ Spooky." - Baltimore Magazine.

Available for Purchase

MONK MIX
Available at Meredith Monk & the House Foundation for the Arts
https://www.meredithmonk.org/store/cds
Coda, Prelude III (Social / Interactive Compositions): A Classical Synthesis in the 21st Century of Classical Revolution & Shodekeh @ TEDxMidAtlantic (2012) & featured together in the short film "Our Rhythm" at TEDxPittsburg "Awakening" (2017).

Classical Revolution: Taking Classical Music to the Streets Our Rhythm Documentary Short | TEDxPittsburgh Cut Institutions and venues that Classical Revolution & Shodekeh has presented with as collaborators: Baltimore Boom Bap Society. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The Annual Blackbaud BBCon Technology Conference (2017). The Bun Shop. The Crown. Embody, A Festival & Series of the Vocal Arts. Joe Squared. The League of American Orchestras National Conference (2016). Liam Flynn's Ale House. Mount Vernon Place. The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture. TED Talks. The Wind Up Space. WTMD 89.7 FM, Towson University Radio.

Shodekeh served as a resident musician & cultural ambassador for Classical Revolution Baltimore from 2012 - 2019.
Coda / Bridge Exhibit C (Interactive Vocal Percussion for Music Composition): Taking Classical Music to the Streets: Classical Revolution & Shodekeh at TEDxMidAtlantic, 2012.

Classical *Revolution Classical Revolution Baltimore - The Luckiest (Ben Folds), featuring Shodekeh Classical Revolution Baltimore - Ysaye and Beat Box featuring Shodekeh "Peabody alumnae Rafaela Dreisin and Stephanie Ray started the Baltimore chapter of Classical Revolution, a casual open mic for classical musicians to gather and perform at nontraditional venues. Duos and small ensembles—on strings, wind, and brass—play chamber pieces new and old, then wrap up the evening with a jam. Sometimes there are opera singers. Sometimes hip-hop artists join in. Sometimes people just show up and courageously sight-read. “I take the approach of being fully immersed,” beatboxer Shodekeh, cultural ambassador of the collective, says about freestyling to complicated time signatures. “The slightest movement—you have to sync up with it, anticipate it. I watch micro-expressions in the face, changes in their breathing.” Ray says they try to push their own boundaries." - Baltimore Magazine.
Coda, Prelude IV (Ensemble / Rhythmic Compositions): "Vodalities" by Shodekeh, world premiere at Carnegie Hall in 2021 & released on So Percussion's compilation album "25x25" by Cantaloupe Music, 2025.

View Program Notes Percussion Studio Recital - Fall 2023: featuring Shodekeh, breath artist Concert Series: An Inexorable Motion of Time Institution & halls that Shodekeh's composition "Vodalities" has been presented with: Arkansas State University. Artpark. Bard Conservatory. The Big Ears Music Festival. The Broadstage @ Santa Monica College. The Caramoor Center for Music & the Arts. Carnegie Hall. The Library of Congress. Penn State University: Behrend Campus. Performing Arts Houston. Michigan Technological University. Princeton University. The Prototype Festival. Towson University. The University of Michigan. The Nayang Academy of Fine Arts @ The University of Arts Singapore. Queen's University. Saginaw Valley State University. Vanderbilt University. Virginia Tech University.

Ensembles that Shodekeh has collaborated with: The Kandinsky Trio. The Silkroad Ensemble (Founded by Yo-Yo Ma). Sō Percussion.

Available for Purchase

25x25
"Vodalities" available on Cantaloupe Music
https://cantaloupemusic.com/albums/25x25
Coda / Bridge Exhibit D (Foundational Vocal Percussion for Music Composition): "Vodalities" by Shodekeh, his Innovation Capstone III (The Vodality Theory) as Innovator-in-Residence @ Towson University. World premiere at Carnegie Hall, 2021.

Virginia Tech: KandinskyBeatDown 2009 "Vodalities: Paradigms of Consciousness for the Human Voice" by S. Talifero // U-M Percussion Ens. "The notation leaves out many detailed instructions that would be expected in percussion music. I write high and low sounds, and usually give "x" noteheads when a hi-hat or metal sound is indicated, and normal noteheads for drum sounds. The second movement in particular is notated for as many voices as I was hearing on the recording, but neither the exact patterns or voicings need to be followed strictly. We usually perform the work as a kind of concerto with Shodekeh as the soloist. He improvises along with our performance, which hews very closely to the score printed here. The piece can also be performed alone." - Dr. Adam Sliwinski.

Available for Purchase

25x25
"Vodalities" available on Cantaloupe Music
https://cantaloupemusic.com/albums/25x25
Coda, Prelude V (Strategic / Micro-Compositions): Professional Beatboxer, Breath Artist & Composer-Accompanist for the BFA Dance Program at The Peabody Conservatory (2018 - 2021). Guest Soloist with the Peabody String Sinfonia, Fall Semester 2018.

Peabody String Sinfonia Youth Orchestras & Ensembles that Shodekeh has collaborated with: The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Orch Kids. The Baltimore Symphonic Band @ The Community College of Baltimore County. The Baltimore Youth Symphony Orchestra. The Connecticut Youth Orchestra. The Frederick Regional Youth Orchestra. The Greater Hartford Youth Wind Ensemble. The Opus 89 Youth Orchestra of the Hartt School @ The University of Hartford. The Peabody String Sinfonia of the Peabody Conservatory @ Johns Hopkins University.

Conservatory Programs Shodekeh has collaborated with: The Bard College Conservatory of Music. The Hartt School of the University of Hartford. The Peabody Preparatory & Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University. The Nayang Academy of Fine Arts School of Music @ The University of the Arts Singapore.
Coda / Bridge Exhibit E (Tactical Vocal Percussion for Music Composition): Ruby Fulton - Deadlock I. (2012), featuring soloist Shodekeh with the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra in 2012 & the Shreveport Orchestra in 2013. Archived at UCLA in 2020.

Performances of Works by American Composers Group 5 Beatboxer Shodekeh joins Hopkins Symphony Orchestra "This weekend, the Weinberg Center for the Arts stage will serve as a ring for a musical battle between a 40-piece orchestra and one talented beatboxer. The Frederick Regional Youth Orchestras Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Deadlock, a piece written by Baltimore-based composer Ruby Fulton. The group will play the roughly 10-minute first movement of the piece, which combines traditional classical music with beatboxing. Baltimore beatboxer Shodekeh will perform the vocal percussion that is an integral, defining part of the piece. This is the first time since 2002 that the FRYO the Symphonia, the Philharmonic, the FRYO Wind Ensemble and the Concert Strings will perform on the Weinberg Center stage together, said Elijah Wirth, FRYO musical director and conductor of the advanced-level Philharmonic Orchestra." - The Frederick News Post.

Jazz/Age: A Non-Linear Tribute Through Hip Hop + Beatboxing in the 21st Century.

Lafayette Gilchrist & Shodekeh. Photo by Wendel Patrick, 2015.

"On Sunday evening, the regular rhythm section was joined by special guest Shodekeh, Baltimore's beatbox specialist extraordinaire. His inventive vocal percussion added a new level of complexity that markedly enhanced the material. And when he took a solo, he held his own with any of the jazz soloists on stage." - The City Paper, "Lafayette Gilchrist and the New Volcanoes impressively blend jazz and go-go at the Windup Space."
Ethel Gives Thanks: Ethel Ennis, featuring Shodekeh & the Stef Sciaggari Trio at the Creative Alliance, November 27th, 2010.

"Shodekeh performed with Ethel Ennis and her trio at the Creative Alliance last year. "I'd had my eye on her for awhile," he says. "She has a lot of musical tricks up her sleeve. It took Ethel out of her comfort zone," says her husband, Earl Arnett. But it was improvisation, and I've done a lot of that over the years," adds Ennis. "You know, beatboxing is really just a new name for something that's very old." - Baltimore Magazine.
Shodekeh & Towson University Jazz Major/Saxophonist Liam Hurlbut @ Towson University, 2014. Photo by Olivia Mika.

"Towson is recognized as one of the finest music programs in Maryland. Our programs in music education, performance, composition, and jazz draw outstanding students who pursue successful careers in music." - Towson University Department of Music.
Jazz & Soul vocalist Navasha Daya & Shodekeh, in conversation during Embody, a series of the Vocal Arts, 2016.

"Called an “Astral Soul Goddess” by the prestigious UK publication Mojo Magazine, Navasha Daya is an exceptionally gifted and seasoned singer, songwriter, producer, musician, performing arts curator, certified holistic wellness practitioner, and spiritual and cultural arts activist who from childhood was inspired and encouraged to use her voice and talents to uplift others and inspire change." - Navasha Daya.
The Treme Brass Band, Benny Jones Sr. & special guest Shodekeh @ the American Folk Festival in Bangor, Maine, 2016.

"New Orleans' legendary Treme Brass Band has played traditional New Orleans brass band music for decades and is loved all around the world. The musicians of Treme Brass Band are survivors. Treme Brass Band gained fans around the world via the HBO show "Treme" as well as appearances in Spike Lee's documentary "When The Levees Broke" and the popular television show NCIS New Orleans on CBS." - The Treme Brass Band.
Jazz Diaspora: Shodekeh performing with the legendary New Orleans Pianist Henry Butler & New Orleans Musical Ambassador Lilian Boutté @ the Conference on World Affairs Jazz Concert, 2009.

"After watching Shodekeh perform in Colorado, Chicago Sun-Times critic Roger Ebert later wrote about the experience in his online journal: “He picked up a mike, and I assumed he was a vocalist. Well, in a way he was. Shodekeh is a percussionist who plays his body as his instrument. He's the only percussion section I've ever seen with choreography.” - The Maryland State Arts Council.
Sho & Jazz Cats.
Michael Mwenso & the Shakes, featuring Shodekeh.

"Whether fulfilling the role of vocalist, emcee, showman, or impresario, Michael Mwenso conveys both the sophistication and spontaneity of hardcore jazz and the music’s folkloric roots with impeccable craft, creativity, and communicative flair. Most frequently, Mwenso performs as leader—or ringleader—of Michael Mwenso and The Shakes, a revue comprising between three to five vocalists and a rotating ensemble that includes rising stars like drummers Joe Saylor and Jamison Ross." - Michael Mwenso.
Marc Avon Evans & Shodekeh @ Be Free Fridays, 2016.

"Marc A. Evans, a native Baltimorean, was born into music. Yet amazingly, this son of a vocalist and jazz saxophonist didn't discover his own music until his late teens. Finally, as a student at Morgan State University, under the tutelage of Dr. Nathan Carter, Evans began nurturing a love for music. Out of that nurturing arises one of the most sultry, smoky baritones ever." - Marc Avon Evans.
Jazz Drummer, Vocalist & Composer Erik Kennedy & Shodekeh.

"Eric Kennedy, a Baltimore native, is a drummer, vocalist, percussionist, educator and composer. Eric’s introduction to all styles of music and early music training was initiated by his musical relatives, who also cultivated his love of jazz. Eric continued his arts education at the Baltimore School for the Arts studying classical percussion and voice with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra percussionist John Locke, Donna Di Stefano and the late Dr. Nathan Carter and Ms. Jewel Churn of Frederick Douglass HIgh School." - Eric Kennedy.

Black Larynx: Dynamics + Vodalities of Musical Experiments, Existentials & Extremophiles.

Below Zero: Shodekeh, the poster child representing the extreme nature inherent within the genres of Beatboxing + Hip Hop for the 2008 High Zero Festival of Experimental Improvised Music.

"High Zero is the premier festival of Improvised, Experimental music on the East Coast, being fully devoted to new collaborations between the most inspired improvisors from around the world. Lasting two weeks in total, the festival brings together 28 core musicians each year, but also involves a much larger subculture of musicians in Baltimore and on the East Coast. Unlike many related festivals, High Zero is not narrow in terms of sensibility or subculture, but rather widely inclusive of all the different types of experimental music-making in the moment." - High Zero.
Alumnus Ex: Shodekeh, alumni of High Zero, the Red Room & the After Now series.
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Zero Numeral.
Blur.
Versus.
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PFFF...
Monks.
Dolmen Music, Part 1 (Shodekeh’s Embody & Continuums Remix) MONK MIX (CD2): Remixes & Interpretations of Music by Meredith Monk.

"It’s darn near impossible to reinterpret material from a musical icon without diluting the original’s vitality or tampering with some key component of the artist’s vision. But local beatboxer Shodekeh effectively re-imagined Meredith Monk’s classic “Dolmen Music” as a hip-hop instrumental by enhancing it with a battery of rhythmic flourishes. The Shodekeh track, featured on Monk Mix, favored solid beats over the drift of abstraction. It exuded mystery, even as it flexed newfound might, & proved to be the highlight of a collection that also featured Bjork & DJ Spooky." - Baltimore Magazine, 2012.

PILOT LAUNCH V: "The Anti-Racist Artist-in-Residence" & Shodekeh's Creative Consultations at The Butler Center of Institutional Equity & Belonging @ Colorado College (Interventions as Research), 2024 - 2025.

Civic / Curatorial Statement: "Today is my birthday / breathday, & on my 48th rotation around the sun, I'm so honored & humbled to share that I've also been invited to serve as the very first "Anti-Racist Artist-in-Residence" at the Butler Center of Colorado College for 2025 - 2026." - Dominic Shodekeh Talifero, September 30th, 2025, during the 2nd term and current administration of the 47th President of the United States of America.

"Dear Shodekeh, On behalf of the Butler Center, the College’s student-facing office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, we would like to extend an invitation to work with, partner, and collaborate on our collective antiracism commitments for the benefit of not only the CC student community, but the college community as a whole. In the coming weeks, we would like to work with and collaborate with you as an Antiracist Artist-In-Residence for the CC campus community. This letter serves as an acknowledgement of your gifts as a creative force on this campus, a research-based performance artist, and as a program creative. We want to uplift and celebrate your body of work and acknowledge the work you are still doing and facilitating for the CC community." - The Butler Center of Colorado College.

Shodekeh's Raceography: Shodekeh's work as an artist + arts-based researcher where tackling issues of systemic racism and the institutionalized cultures of white supremacy is the primary focus include direct collaborations with the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture (2013 - 2015), the 2015 Regional Conference of Amnesty International, the "Ideations of Potential" living archive at the Towson University Special Collections & University Archives (established in 2021), "Blood at the Root" produced by the Towson University Department of Theatre Arts (2021), the Presidential Library of George Washington's Mount Vernon (Research Fellowship Class of 2023 - 2024), "The Northwestern Law Journal des Refusés" at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law (2025) and the Butler Center of the Division of Institutional Equity & Belonging @ Colorado College (2024 - 2025).

The Anti-Racist Artist-in-Residence Bibliography: "5,000,000 Years of African Humanity: Tracing African-American Ancestry" by Helen Talifero Maddox. "Awakening the Natural Genius of Black Children" by Dr. Amos N. Wilson. "Echoes of the Old Darkland: Themes from the African Eden" by Dr. Charles S. Finch. "The Hiroshima Library" by Brandon Shimoda. "The Isis Papers" by Dr. Frances Cress Welsing. "Miseducation of the Negro" by Carter G. Woodson. "The Mismeasure of Man" by Dr. Stephen Jay Gould. "Stolen Legacy" by George G.M. James. "The United Independent Compensatory Code-System-Concept" by Neely Fuller Jr. "Yurugu: An African-Centered Critique of European Cultural Thought & Behavior" by Dr. Marimba Ani.

Anti-Racist Creative Consultations I (Community Missions): Shodekeh's "Anti-Racist Artist-in-Residence" pilot launch @ The Butler Center of Colorado College, Fall Semester 2025.

Archive Statement Antiracism Shodekeh's previous work in artistic and cultural expressions of Anti-Racism: "Musical Roots: From Africa to America" featuring soloist Shodekeh and conductor Damon Gupton with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, 2013. Music Curator and Artist for "For Whom It Stands: The Flag & The American People @ The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture (Smithsonian Affiliate), 2013 - 2015. "An Applied Anthropology of Music Segregation: Illuminating the Unsung Legacies & Contributions of The Baltimore Colored Orchestra, The Baltimore Women's String Symphony Orchestra & The Baltimore Institute of Musical Arts of The Upton Mansion" presented by Shodekeh @ The Amnesty International 2015 Mid-Atlantic Conference: From Moment To Movement on November 14-15, 2015 @ The Freddie Gray Empowerment Center. "Lost & Found: The Musical Legacy of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges" concert and panel discussion with Classical Revolution, 2018. Research consultant for "A Message of Inclusion, A History of Exclusion: Racial Injustice at the Peabody Institute" by Sarah Thomas, 2019. "Ideations of Potential" living archive @ The Towson University Special Collections & University Archives (Established in 2021 and equipped with the explicit mission of maximizing the archive as a platform for raising awareness on the social health epidemic of black youth suicide and ideation.) Shodekeh's Breath Art performance as Mr. Jim Talifero in the theatrical presentation of "Blood at the Root" with the Towson University Department of Theatre Arts/ "Ideations of Hope" concert testimonial @ The Kennedy Center, an extension of his living archive mission at Towson University Special Collections, 2023. Contributor to the Northwestern Law Journal des Refusés @ The Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, 2025. George Washington Presidential Library Research Fellow, programmer of "Breaths Along the Potomac" for the 2024 Juneteenth Festival and Breath Artist for the 2023 and 2026 Annual Slave Memorial Commemorations @ George Washington's Mount Vernon.
Anti-Racist Creative Interventions Exhibit A (Community Screenings): "Get Out" film screening hosted by Shodekeh in collaboration with the Butler Center. "Bingo card" from the film's soundtrack was utilized during the Q&A session of this event, 2025.

BSO Presents Family Concert Series Program, Musical Roots: From …Get Out: Structural Racism and Academic Terror "With the ambitious and challenging “Get Out,” which premiered in a secret screening at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, Jordan Peele reveals that we may someday consider directing the greatest talent of this fascinating actor and writer. We knew from his days on “Key & Peele” and in feature comedies that he was a multiple threat, but his directorial debut is a complex, accomplished genre hybrid that should alter his business card. “Get Out” feels fresh and sharp in a way that studio horror movies almost never do. It is both unsettling and hysterical, often in the same moment, and it is totally unafraid to call people on their racist bullshit. When he introduced the film in Park City, he revealed that it started with an attempt to write a movie he hadn’t seen before. We need more directors willing to take risks with films like “Get Out.” - Roger Ebert.

"I love this guy. Shodekeh, the beat boxer who performs like this." - Roger Ebert.
Anti-Racist Creative Consultations II (West African Dance & Drumming + Community Gatherings): West African Dance Professor Dallo Fall's "Roots & Rhythms" @ The Butler Center. Co-facilitated by Shodekeh, 2025.

The Butler Center Dallo Fall | Giving of Self + Senegal Shodekeh's engagements as an artist and creative consultant with the Butler Center of Colorado College: "The Black History Lab / Carter G. Woodson Lab" Historical Interpretation Installation @ The Butler Center. "The Creative & Restorative Properties of Breath Art" led by Shodekeh for Butler Center students and pro-staff. "Get Out" film screening and discussion hosted by Shodekeh. "Roots & Rhythms" with West African Dance Instructor Dallo Fall. Wing Chun with Instructor Dave Daniels.

Innovation Capstone in Progress: "The Anti-Racism Time Capsule: 2028 - 2068" inspired by the legacy of "The Kerner Commission: The National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders" established by President Lyndon B. Johnson in Executive Order 11365 on July 29th, 1967.
Anti-Racist Creative Interventions Exhibit B (Martial Arts + Community Outreach): Behind the Masc "Wing Chun" Master Class with instructor Dave Daniels in collaboration with the Butler Center. Co-facilitated by Shodekeh, 2025.

Dave Daniels Jr "I'm so excited to be serving as a co-organizer of this event taking place next week, as I've been a student of Wing Chun in the last several years. It's been much more challenging for me than I initially expected, & I still have a very long way to go. But I intend on finishing what I started, as this discipline has been one of the key factors in my continued growth." - Shodekeh.

"Dave Daniels having been a Fitness Professional for over 40 years and is Certified by NASM & various other organizations, is very experienced in various training modalities & is a Traditional Wing Chun Kung Fu Instructor and student under Master Keith Mazza. Mr. Daniels has been studying Traditional Wing Chun for over 20 years, is a student 1st and is always trying to improve and get better for his Clients & Students to best prepare them and help them get in the best shape of their lives." - Human Anatomy in Symmetry.
Anti-Racist Creative Interventions III (Community Parallels): Shodekeh's "Breath Art + Water Drumming" class, inspired by the doc "Water Drums." The cancellation of this event led to a successful collaboration with the CC Disability Alliance in 2026.

CCDA x Shodekeh Water Drums - Andreina Gomez Shodekeh's Research References Inspired in Part by the Butler Center's "Black History as a Lifelong Practice" initiative: "Critical Whiteness Praxis in Higher Education" from Routledge Publishing. "The Hiroshima Library" installation by Professor Brandon Shimoda. "The Strategy For a More Just CC" published by Colorado College. "Water Drums" documentary by director Clarrisa Duque.

The Anti Racism Book Club Selections @ Colorado College for 2025 - 2026 were "Noor" by Nnedi Okorafor & "Nuclear Nuevo Mexico: Colonialism and the Effects of the Nuclear Industrial Complex on Nuevomexicanos" by Myrriah Gómez. Shodekeh's Anti-Racism Book Selection for 2025 - 2026 was "The Kerner Commission: The National Advisory Committee on Civil Disorders" which was also part of his "Carter G. Woodson / Black History Lab" historical interpretation installation at the Butler Center, based on the Butler Center initiative of "Black History as a Lifelong Practice."
Anti-Racist Creative Interventions Exhibit C (Community Pedagogies): "Breath Art, A Creative Resource for Restoration, Resilience & Empowerment" led by Shodekeh, creative consultant for the Butler Center & "Black History as a Lifelong Practice" in 2025.

This beatboxer shows you how to make art out of your breath "Next week I'll be leading a very unique Breath Art master class experience tailored specifically for the staff & students of the Butler Center (Anti-Racism + DEI) of Colorado College, & I can't wait to go deeper into it's many creative possibilities in terms of personal restoration & empowerment." - Shodekeh.

"In situations where there is much confusion and / or conflict about "praying," use and / or suggest the use of the following Compensatory Universal Prayer: Quietly "breathe in" (deeply) then breathe out. While doing so, think about "The Source" of your breath and your breathing, and how dependent you are on "The Source" that created it. This is a basic form of "The United-Independent Compensatory Universal Prayer." When you awaken from sleep, breathe deeply, and while holding and releasing your breath, think about The Source of each and every breath that you ever taken. Think about each "part" of your mind, body, and spirit, including your breath, as a gift that you have not yet "earned." Be silently thankful for all of those uncounted breaths that you have ever received. Constantly use logic in constructively thinking about, and appeciating the value of The Source ("The Creator," "The Great Spirit," "Allah," "All-Power," ect.)." - Neely Fuller Jr, "The United Independent Compensatory Code/System/Concept: A Compensatory Counter-Racist Code."
Anti-Racist Creative Consultations IV (Community Installations): "The Hiroshima Library" by Brandon Shimoda at the Seay Music Library, a non-linear inspiration to Shodekeh's "The Carter G. Woodson Lab" @ The Butler Center, 2025 - 2026.

Playlist - The Hiroshima Library Executive Order 11365—Establishing a National Advisory Curatorial Item Selections for Shodekeh's "Carter G. Woodson / Black History Lab" historical interpretation installation at The Butler Center include the following: "Acts Passed at a Congress of the United States of America" distributed by George Washington's Mount Vernon. Bead Necklace by Joyce J. Scott. Materials of "R.S.V.P. I" by Senga Nengudi. "The Sacred Crates of Hip Hop" sound art installation by Dominic Shodekeh Talifero. "The Space Race" documentary played on screen & released by National Geographic.
Anti-Racist Creative Interventions Exhibit D (Community Commissions): "Breath Altar' created by Shodekeh for Iyanla Ayite's senior capstone "Sonic Portal to the Afrofuture" in 2025. Narrative interview conducted & recorded at the Butler Center, 2025.

Theatre Review: 'Blood at the Root' at Towson University S.P.A. (Sonic Portal to the Afrofuture) "Shodekeh, Affirming your Wellness & Protection...You are a site of unobstructed flow, of focused power, of first Earth soil, of ancient alchemy, of ancestral reclamation, of spirit-body reparation, and of the reintegration between the seen and unseen. You are a trickster facilitating sublime storms, quiet collisions that will rumble like thunder only because sound travels slower than light. You are creating conditions for a falling apart that is a falling into place. You are, and the ground trembles as if every buried memory awakens like an army behind you, every disremembered story rumbles with a command to be told. You come like lightning and leave like thunder, a two-fold ripple of transformative and fertilizing truth. You are an undeniable storm, and I am honored to have collided with you. You return me to the birthright that is my breath, and you challenge me to do more careful work, the kind that none of the prevailing systems have instructions for or take concerted heed of. There is no chance of a place or person being left unchanged if they knew you. Whatever visions I can support, you let me know." - Iyanla Ayite, Music Major of the Colorado College Department of Music, Class of 2025.

Photograph courtesy of Colorado College.
Anti-Racist Creative Consultations V (Community Inspirations): "Creativity & Doubt" featuring Shodekeh, by Dr. Jessica Hunter. A pilot launch catalyst for Shodekeh's "Anti-Racist Artist-in-Residence" concept @ Colorado College.

Shodekeh Talifero Creativity & Innovation at CC Shodekeh's Previous Engagements with the Colorado College Office of Creativity & Innovation & The NEH Breath Art Residency, which in part inspired his concept of "The Anti-Racist Artist-in-Residence" at the Butler Center: "King Coal" live breath art screening at Packard Hall.
Anti Racist Creative Interventions Exhibit E (Community Compositions): "Radical Eyes" by Machete x Shodekeh. Recorded @ the Colorado College recording studios during Shodekeh's Anti-Racist Artist Residency. Released on February 27th, 2026.

Fuck Your Fear Foundations: "Breath Art is the Blues of the Human Beatbox...With my dear caremate + altar-companion Machete Garcia, I've released a brand new single entitled "Fuck Your Fear + Radical Eyes" & I'm so proud & yet humbled to say that not since recording with Joyce J. Scott & Bady Dorzhu Ondar of Alash have I been brought so close to the very essence of the Blues. This of course makes complete & total sense considering that she's originally from the haunted lands of Missouri. We'll be performing these two songs & more during a duet concert that we're having at 12:30 pm at the Seay Library of Music & Art @ Colorado College, which is more than fitting since we recorded our songs in the Colorado College Department of Music last Fall."
Special Auditory Note: "If you have a pair of decent or advanced headphones, we highly recommend using them, because listening to what we've created is a bio-acoustic + bio-ancestral experience, just as music should be." - Shodekeh.

Available for Purchase

Machete x Shodekeh on Spotify.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6DUGLByNbzoGX2ctrQ1JTL

Historiography: For Whom It Stands, Untold Stories of the Flag & the American People. Music Researcher & Curator in residence of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, Smithsonian Affiliate, 2013 - 2015.

Geneological Research. Lift Every Voice & Sing. Black Business Experiment, 2014. The Upton Mansion. Conceptual Time Capsule of the year 2100. Tu-Wa Moja. Dynamics of Existential Sustainability.

FWIS.
For Whom It Stands.
The Flag House.
Shodekeh in Residence.
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Interfaith.
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Shodekeh-Talifero, Upton Mansion.
Genealogy.
fwis.

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Immersion: Ethnomusicology, Ambassadorship & Traditional Explorations Around The World.

CULTURAL FIRST E: Choreographic, Improvisatory & Breath Art Innovations with Shodekeh, the American Dance Festival @ Duke University & the TU Department of Dance (Movement as Research), 2006 - 2026.

Black & White photographs by Philip Edward Laubner.

Shodekeh — TU's Innovator-in-Residence The Modern Dance Techniques that Shodekeh has provided original live music for: Graham Technique. Cunningham Technique. Horton Technique. Post-Modern. Release.

Shodekeh's core tenets of Kinesthetic Breath according to his Primary Modalities of Breath Art: Fetal Breath. Postural Breath. Ambulatory Breath. Activated Breath. Tactile Breath.

25x25

Museum Danger: Film, Art & Visual Interpretations of the Human Beatbox.

The 5th Element: The Timeless Traditions of Hip Hop, Beatboxing & B-Boy Subculture in the 21st Century.

CULTURAL FIRST C: "Achai" on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, "Embodiments" on Ear Up Records & U.S. + Southern Siberian Concert Tours featuring the Alash Ensemble & Shodekeh (Diplomacy as Research), 2011 - 2024.

Alash & Shodekeh U.S. National Tours: Winter 2016. Spring 2017. Fall 2017. Summer 2018. Fall 2019. Winter 2020.

Achai by Alash & special guest Shodekeh

Blackwater Vision Quest : Fuyuki Yamakawa: Digital Music https://www.amazon.com/Blackwater-Vision-Quest-Fuyuki-Yamakawa/dp/B004PWGJS6

Achai - Smithsonian Folkways Recordings Chügle Sen Sen (Only You) - Smithsonian Folkways Recordings "Achai" Album Musicians: Bady Dorzhu Ondar, Ayan-ool Sam, Ayan Shirizhik & Dominic Shodekeh Talifero.

"Embodiments" was completed as Shodekeh's 2019 - 2020 "Innovation Capstone I" during his inaugural role as the "Innovator-in-Residence" @ The Towson University College of Fine Arts & Communication from January 2019 - July 2022.

CULTURAL FIRST D: Classical & Orchestral Innovations with Shodekeh, The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Carnegie Hall, Marin Alsop, Meredith Monk, The Peabody Conservatory & Sō Percussion (Composition as Research), 2009 - 2026.

Coda Bibliography: "12 Notes On Life and Creativity" by Quincy Jones. "The Pedagogy of Becoming: Identity Formation through the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids and Venezuela’s El Sistema" by Ann H. Shoemaker (Dissertation submitted at the University of North Carolina).

Soloists that Shodekeh has collaborated in a live duet with: Baroque Cellist Wade Davis. Soprano Rebecca Duren. Violinist Sirena Huang. Pianist Lura Johnson. Violist Peter Minkler. Pianist Jon Nakamatsu. Violinist Evelyn Petcher.

Dolmen Music - Meredith Monk

MONK MIX: Remixes & Interpretations of Meredith Monk Baltimore Magazine's "Best of Baltimore" Award: Best Homage for Shodekeh's Meredith Monk Remix, 2012. Featuring co-performers & co-composers Dr. Erik Spangler, Max Bent, Kate Porter & Bonnie Lander.

MONK MIX

Shodekeh served as a resident musician & cultural ambassador for Classical Revolution Baltimore from 2012 - 2019.

Ensembles that Shodekeh has collaborated with: The Kandinsky Trio. The Silkroad Ensemble (Founded by Yo-Yo Ma). Sō Percussion.

25x25

25x25

Conservatory Programs Shodekeh has collaborated with: The Bard College Conservatory of Music. The Hartt School of the University of Hartford. The Peabody Preparatory & Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University. The Nayang Academy of Fine Arts School of Music @ The University of the Arts Singapore.

Jazz/Age: A Non-Linear Tribute Through Hip Hop + Beatboxing in the 21st Century.

Black Larynx: Dynamics + Vodalities of Musical Experiments, Existentials & Extremophiles.

PILOT LAUNCH V: "The Anti-Racist Artist-in-Residence" & Shodekeh's Creative Consultations at The Butler Center of Institutional Equity & Belonging @ Colorado College (Interventions as Research), 2024 - 2025.

"I love this guy. Shodekeh, the beat boxer who performs like this." - Roger Ebert.

Innovation Capstone in Progress: "The Anti-Racism Time Capsule: 2028 - 2068" inspired by the legacy of "The Kerner Commission: The National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders" established by President Lyndon B. Johnson in Executive Order 11365 on July 29th, 1967.

Photograph courtesy of Colorado College.

Historiography: For Whom It Stands, Untold Stories of the Flag & the American People. Music Researcher & Curator in residence of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, Smithsonian Affiliate, 2013 - 2015.

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Immersion: Ethnomusicology, Ambassadorship & Traditional Explorations Around The World.

CULTURAL FIRST E: Choreographic, Improvisatory & Breath Art Innovations with Shodekeh, the American Dance Festival @ Duke University & the TU Department of Dance (Movement as Research), 2006 - 2026.

Black & White photographs by Philip Edward Laubner.

Shodekeh — TU's Innovator-in-Residence The Modern Dance Techniques that Shodekeh has provided original live music for: Graham Technique. Cunningham Technique. Horton Technique. Post-Modern. Release.

Shodekeh's core tenets of Kinesthetic Breath according to his Primary Modalities of Breath Art: Fetal Breath. Postural Breath. Ambulatory Breath. Activated Breath. Tactile Breath.

Museum Danger: Film, Art & Visual Interpretations of the Human Beatbox.

The 5th Element: The Timeless Traditions of Hip Hop, Beatboxing & B-Boy Subculture in the 21st Century.

CULTURAL FIRST C: "Achai" on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, "Embodiments" on Ear Up Records & U.S. + Southern Siberian Concert Tours featuring the Alash Ensemble & Shodekeh (Diplomacy as Research), 2011 - 2024.

Alash & Shodekeh U.S. National Tours: Winter 2016. Spring 2017. Fall 2017. Summer 2018. Fall 2019. Winter 2020.

Achai by Alash & special guest Shodekeh

Blackwater Vision Quest : Fuyuki Yamakawa: Digital Music https://www.amazon.com/Blackwater-Vision-Quest-Fuyuki-Yamakawa/dp/B004PWGJS6

Achai - Smithsonian Folkways Recordings Chügle Sen Sen (Only You) - Smithsonian Folkways Recordings "Achai" Album Musicians: Bady Dorzhu Ondar, Ayan-ool Sam, Ayan Shirizhik & Dominic Shodekeh Talifero.

"Embodiments" was completed as Shodekeh's 2019 - 2020 "Innovation Capstone I" during his inaugural role as the "Innovator-in-Residence" @ The Towson University College of Fine Arts & Communication from January 2019 - July 2022.

CULTURAL FIRST D: Classical & Orchestral Innovations with Shodekeh, The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Carnegie Hall, Marin Alsop, Meredith Monk, The Peabody Conservatory & Sō Percussion (Composition as Research), 2009 - 2026.

Coda Bibliography: "12 Notes On Life and Creativity" by Quincy Jones. "The Pedagogy of Becoming: Identity Formation through the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids and Venezuela’s El Sistema" by Ann H. Shoemaker (Dissertation submitted at the University of North Carolina).

Soloists that Shodekeh has collaborated in a live duet with: Baroque Cellist Wade Davis. Soprano Rebecca Duren. Violinist Sirena Huang. Pianist Lura Johnson. Violist Peter Minkler. Pianist Jon Nakamatsu. Violinist Evelyn Petcher.

MONK MIX: Remixes & Interpretations of Meredith Monk Baltimore Magazine's "Best of Baltimore" Award: Best Homage for Shodekeh's Meredith Monk Remix, 2012. Featuring co-performers & co-composers Dr. Erik Spangler, Max Bent, Kate Porter & Bonnie Lander.

Shodekeh served as a resident musician & cultural ambassador for Classical Revolution Baltimore from 2012 - 2019.

Ensembles that Shodekeh has collaborated with: The Kandinsky Trio. The Silkroad Ensemble (Founded by Yo-Yo Ma). Sō Percussion.

Conservatory Programs Shodekeh has collaborated with: The Bard College Conservatory of Music. The Hartt School of the University of Hartford. The Peabody Preparatory & Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University. The Nayang Academy of Fine Arts School of Music @ The University of the Arts Singapore.

Jazz/Age: A Non-Linear Tribute Through Hip Hop + Beatboxing in the 21st Century.

Black Larynx: Dynamics + Vodalities of Musical Experiments, Existentials & Extremophiles.

PILOT LAUNCH V: "The Anti-Racist Artist-in-Residence" & Shodekeh's Creative Consultations at The Butler Center of Institutional Equity & Belonging @ Colorado College (Interventions as Research), 2024 - 2025.

"I love this guy. Shodekeh, the beat boxer who performs like this." - Roger Ebert.

Innovation Capstone in Progress: "The Anti-Racism Time Capsule: 2028 - 2068" inspired by the legacy of "The Kerner Commission: The National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders" established by President Lyndon B. Johnson in Executive Order 11365 on July 29th, 1967.

Photograph courtesy of Colorado College.