Smaïl Kanouté’s Performance at Hangar Y Honors the Black Indians of New Orleans

Overview

3:00 PM – Roundtable and Screening of the Documentary Film Black Indians by Smail Kanouté (Free Admission)

A compelling conversation delved into the rich and complex world of the New Orleans Black Indians, a culture deeply rooted in history, resilience, and artistic expression. This panel featured Renée Gusman, Smaïl Kanouté, and Marwan Pleasant, who examined the origins and evolution of Black Indian traditions, tracing the powerful influences of West African masking and Native American homage. 

5:00 – 6:00 PM – Black Indians Performance by Smaïl Kanouté

Following an artistic residency with Villa Albertine in New Orleans,  Smaïl Kanouté encountered the Yellow Pocahontas Hunters, one of the city’s most emblematic Black Indian tribes, guardians of a living African-American tradition more than 150 years strong. This transformative experience inspired Black Indians, a bold new performance that bridges cultures, languages, and generations. On stage, Kanouté led a vibrant parade where Native American languages, Creole, and English converged over the pulse of hip-hop, rap, and blues. 

Villa Albertine is proud to be a partner of Smail Kanouté and Léonard Martin’s performances at Hangar Y, celebrating the Yellow Pocahontas Hunters tribe of New Orleans.