Hannibal Lokumbe is not caught up in what classical music “should” be. He composes for symphony orchestra, and improvises on the trumpet. He plays in concert halls, churches, and prisons.

On his visit to Nashville this past winter for a residency with local chamber ensemble Intersection, the main event was a performance of his massive piece
Crucifixion/Resurrection: 9 Souls A Traveling. The work is massive and emotional – a large scale choral/orchestral requiem for the Charleston Nine. But Lokumbe also made time for public speaking on the topics of mass incarceration, the spiritual existence of people of color, and the life of Fannie Lou Hamer.

During his time with 91Classical he spoke a little bit about all of these topics, as well as his history on his family’s farm, and how he finds artistic inspiration from his ancestors. He also spent a little time at the piano.

Listen to the full episode of Classically Speaking right here, or download wherever you get your podcasts.