September 17, 2019

Meet Sade Keinu

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sade Keinu.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I grew up the daughter of successful Choreographers from Brooklyn, New York. My life as a child was completely out of the ordinary, but it shaped who I am today. I began training at the age of two and got my big break at the age of six. As the opening act on a world tour. Since then I made dance/entertainment my career. In 2009 I got the opportunity from Debbie Allen to move to Los Angeles to broaden my opportunities and attend her dance school. As a child, moving to Los Angeles was my dream. I wanted to be on Disney Channel and have my own show like That’s So Raven. This was something that I could not pass up, it was a manifestation. From 15 years old to now I managed to join a girl group, land a movie on TEENick and dance for icons like Pharrell, P!nk and Kanye West. I believe my younger self is extremely proud.

Please tell us about your art.
Besides professional dancing, I really enjoy cinematography and film. As I got older I didn’t feel fulfilled with just dance, because there were other art mediums that I loved. With film I can incorporate all my passions in one, and create things that are bigger than me. I see myself as an advocate for female empowerment, because it is the core of my work. My first film showcases a range of women of color uniting through dance and music. In anything I create I have to showcase women of all walks of life.

I believe we don’t get enough representation so it is my duty to represent us in the best way possible. My inspiration comes from photography, watching films and music videos, but mainly the many cultures of the world. I love the authenticity of communities, seeing the different cultures and what brings people together and inspires them. I want people to take away from my work is unity and love. I want my work to inspire people to unite and love each other because we are stronger together.

I want people to see my work and want to create and express themselves. I feel everyone would be much happier if they released their emotions and feelings through art or whatever makes them happy. I want the world to know that when you see my work, you will always see people of color in their element and showcased in every way the world rejects them.

Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
My advice to artist is rely on no one. Rely on no one but yourself to get what you want done. I learned the hard way relying on others to help make what I wanted to create come to life. To have it not come to life at all. Also take yourself and work seriously. No one is going to take your project as serious as you, set the tone from the gate so everyone knows you’re ready to work and move efficiently.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I post my work on my social media platforms, specifically Instagram. I am currently building a website to have one place for everything. My documentary was featured on Afropunks website, and more work will be featured on that platform as well as others.

Contact Info:

Email: sadekeinuaustin@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sadelasoul/

Image Credit:
Emron Mervin, Monte Teu, Smart girls club, Carol Alana

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