Reel Urban News Exclusive
By: Michael Reel
Before taking the stage at the Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall with the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, special guest performers Keith David, star of the TV series “Greenleaf,” and prolific actor, producer, director and singer Obba Babatundé spoke with Reel Urban News about performing with the orchestra at their 10th Annual Season Finale concert.
The two stars were joined by Charles Dickerson, the orchestra’s founder and conductor. Dickerson is ecstatic about the orchestra’s return to Walt Disney Concert Hall. “It’s a joy and pleasure to be able to bring these young people in this venue to celebrate their season-ending concert. This is our 10th season-ending concert and the seventh time we’re able to perform in this venue.”
In addition to ICYOLA performing, David and Babatundé performed special tributes to two music icons. David sang the music of jazz pianist and vocalist Nat King Cole. Babatundé paid tribute to the late pop, funk and jazz drummer Leon “Ndugu” Chancler.
“We have both Keith and brother Obba – I think everybody in the world knows Keith as Bishop Greenleaf and he’s also the voice of a lot of Ken Burns films,” said Dickerson. “Brother Obba is well known throughout the community and he also does a show on Sammy Davis, Jr.”
“For me it’s a dream come true,” David added. “Getting to sing Nat King Cole songs with an orchestra and a hundred pieces too – If I wasn’t standing here with you I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.”
Babatundé, who has appeared in numerous stage productions, theatrical films and television shows, celebrated Dickerson for his continued work with ICYOLA. “I am honored to be here for so many reasons,” Babatundé explained. “I would like to salute this gentleman Charles Dickerson, he’s really the linchpin – he is the driving force behind this orchestra. Charles started with nine musicians and now we’re talking about 110 young people who are dispelling the false negative that people identify our youth with. Charles is really doing something special.”
In the closing moments of our time with Babatundé, David and Dickerson, Michael Reel of Reel Urban News asked the men about the importance of African Americans telling our own story.
“If we don’t tell our story no one else will,” Dickerson maintained. “And that’s particularly true in today’s environment where it seems as the only story being told about our young people is negative.
“If we’re not here to show the positive, the very best of our young people from our community, then very frankly we’re falling down on own jobs – we’re not paying the rent due to being on the face of the earth. So, I’m honored and delighted these young people give us the privilege of working with them.”
David explained the important role young people play in writing their own history.
“Until the lion learns to talk, the story will always be told from the point of view of the hunter. We are now telling our own story, and this is how we do it – these are the young lions.”
