It's no secret that the amazing world of anime has had a major influence on Black culture and the community. From growing up with titles like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and Pokemon to seeing these works referenced in songs by major artists, eventually, we would see some Black talent contribute to the anime industry.
While there are a handful of Black muscians that have worked in anime music, their work is paving the way for future Black creators to do so, as well. Here are a couple of artists who have
Flying Lotus
Flying Lotus has been getting more attention lately for working on theYasuke anime, which was released on Netflix in late April.
Serving as the composer and executive producer, The Brainfeeder founder told Vulture that he wanted to go in a new direction for the historical action show's sound. He also pointed out that the internet "expects" him to do hip-hop soundtracks for the show.
He also called Yasuke his "full circle moment."
"I empathize with Yasuke so much — feeling like an outsider all the time, especially in music and in the electronic-music space that I occupy," he told reporters. "Also, being a Black man whenever I go to Japan, it was real easy to get the story. I knew exactly what it felt like. They say, “Write what you know.” I was able to help shape Yasuke’s present-day narrative in the story based on my friends and things that I was feeling."
This critically-acclaimed producer grew up watching DBZ and even created the bumper music for Adult Swim, which hosts the anime block Toonami. Flying Lotus has also written songs for the original anime Carole and Tuesday.
Avu-Chan
Avu Barazono, who goes by her stage name Avu-Chan, is a lesser-known talent who shines in the Japanese world of music. A transwoman of Black and Japanese descent, she is the lead singer, composer, and lyricist of the band Queen Bee, according to CBR. She's also a member of the band Gokumonto Ikka.
Queen Bee has performed songs for Tokyo Ghoul S, Love Strikes!, Sadako and Spooky Romantics, and Devilman Crybaby, an anime of the year winner. Their most well-known song is "Fire," the opening theme song for 2019's Dororo, a tale about a Japanese warrior with prosthetic limbs traveling with a young girl and battling demons.
Avu-Chan also said she has been inspired by multiple Western superstars in the music industry, including Beyonce.
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