ọmọlolú Refilwe Bàbátúndé

ọmọlolú Refilwe Babátúndé (she/they) is a multimedia artist rooted in sound who makes sonic ritual works that explore recovery, becoming, and breaking into affirming possibilities. Her practice is concerned with how Black sound moves through, connects, and shifts space/time. Through looping, harmonization, instrumentation, field recordings, and sampling, they explore the power of repetition, mantra-making, and collective breathing as ways to propel those who listen through the cycles and deepening of our becoming. In their practice, they also explore video, image, archival work, prose, and performance as ways to activate, visualize, and embody the sonic encounters they strive to expose.

Why Performance Studies?
My research and practice are not contained within the limitations of traditional disciplines; I desired a program that is flexible enough to stretch around the contours of my work and rigorous enough to structure a moment of deep inquiry that will bring momentum to my scholarly and artistic pursuits. I believe Performance Studies is the vessel to hold my inquiry.

Education
UNC-Chapel Hill
BA in Geography; African, African American and Diaspora Studies