By Darlene Donloe
Contributing Writer
LEIMERT PARK — The area known as the Black cultural epicenter of Los Angeles, will resonate with the sounds of healing and community May 23, as the World Stage presents the inaugural Sacred Music and Healing Festival.
An educational and performance art space, the World Stage is hosting the free event, bringing together acclaimed musicians, poets, and healers to cultivate connection, unity and spiritual growth.
World Stage Executive Director Dwight Trible puts it simply. “Music is healing,” he said.
“It’s actually rooted in history,” he said. “People feel different after listening to music.”
Trible said Rene Fisher, a manager at the World Stage, approached him three years ago about hosting a healing festival.
“This is her idea,” Trible said. “And it’s a great idea. This is something the community will benefit from. There is a lot going on in the world. We are concerned about everyone’s healing. This is a chance for the community to come together and heal itself. All of us need it. All of us are carrying something.”
Fisher, who will host a drum and libation session, said a healing festival was something that spoke to her heart.
“I had been thinking about it for a while,” Fisher said. “It was something I knew the community needed. When we all bring our energy together, it’s powerful. We are coming together to heal this community.”
From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., attendees can browse 25 vendor booths and soak in an eclectic lineup featuring pianist Eric Reed, vocalist Jimetta Rose, poet Kamau Daaood, and Carlos Nino & Friends, creating a soundscape that blends music, poetry, and community.
“Every artist on the lineup will perform sacred music from diverse cultures,” Trible said. “We’ll feature jazz from Eric Reed, World Music from Africa and other continents, and indigenous sounds. Plus, attendees can participate in yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong sessions.”
The festival’s focus on sacred sound, healing and community unity will create a unique space for attendees to explore the intersection of music, spirituality and wellness.
The festival’s dedicated healing tent, managed by Nappily Naturals & Apothecary, is a major highlight, offering a range of healing services and products.
Nappily Naturals & Apothecary, a Black-owned holistic wellness center and natural health apothecary founded by Sharon Williams-Askia and Umaar Askia, has called Leimert Park Village home since 2018.
This aspect of the festival underscores the importance of holistic wellness and self-care.
“This is an immensely important event,” Askia said. “In African culture, music, sound, sight and rhythm are all a part of healing. We need all of the senses activated in order for it to be effective. We are not linear.”
Askia called the healing festival “an awakening.”
“It’s very dynamic,” he said. “Our healing and awakening are dynamic. We need all of our ‘community needs’ to be healed from childhood trauma and health and wellness issues, so we can rehabilitate our family units.”
Askia said the healing tent will offer a range of holistic services, including lymphatic drainage, guided exercises, Reiki, blood work, Tai Chi, and Double Dutch, all paired with soothing medicinal teas and nourishing tonics.
“Everyone can benefit from the healing tent,” Askia said. “We all need to realize that we all need to be in a state of healing because we’re sick. We’re exposed to all types of toxins and new technology when it comes to food and medication.”
Askia encourages attendees to reflect: “What can I do to really add value to my health and wellness development and journey?”
“We want to show people where to go and how to do it,” he said. “Don’t wait until you have a terminal illness to try to respond to things. Once you get started, you can be the inspiration in your own family.”
As a central institution in Leimert Park, the World Stage continues to provide a platform for artists and community members to come together and celebrate their shared heritage.
Trible said the World Stage is hosting the Sacred Music and Healing Festival “to foster unity and healing through music and art.”
“This is going to be the first of many,” he said, hinting at future collaborations and events.
Darlene Donloe is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers South Los Angeles. She can be reached at ddonloe@gmail.com.
