Spear of the Nation is an MC, Producer Actor and Radical Healing Facilitator Spear (AKA Sizwe) comes from an intersecting lineage of art, education and nation building. His musical roots trace back to his Jazzman father (James Andrews) who was a member of the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra led by Horace Tapscott. His Mother (Shuntelle Andrews) is an educator and community organizer with links to the Black Panther Party. It was under their tutelage that Spear learned the importance of music and art as spiritual, creative and political tools. Those teachings never strayed from him as he grew within the hip-hop movements of Southern California, Washington D.C. and ultimately the San Francisco Bay Area. THE FOUNDATIONS His foundation in hip hop began with guidance and mentorship from his older brother Dray as well as influential artists within the Los Angeles and Santa Ana music Scene. Spear listened to mixtapes from DJ's M-Walk and Poison Ivy, and studied underground tapes from CashDaily and KMC. Spear began to sharpen his blade when he met Soul Brothas V-Luv and All Massive (AM). It was AM and his crew Orthodox (Real Thorough) that taught Spear how to navigate the MPC-60, create song structures and elevate the bars through concrete concepts and witty word play. For those that want to see a young Spear, check the King Tee video "At your own Risk" At that same time, his cousin Imani (of the Pharcyde) was finalizing their first album Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde, giving Spear a glimpse into the broader hip hop community, connecting him with the Freestyle Fellowship, Ganja K, and many others. Through these links, Spear was able to connect with Amad Jamal of Solar Panel, Kombo MC and Divine Universal (DU) who opened his eyes to the beautiful musical production of DJ Khalil and the dope lyricism of Chase Infinite. ENTER THE STAGE
In highschool, Spear met Reverb and Jern Eye. Through this relationship, Spear found his own voice and production style, exchanging bars, beats and samples on a consistent basis. Spear's first major release as an artist was with Jern Eye and Khai Sharrieff in the group Lunar Heights. They released a project with NatAural High Records in 2004 called Cresent Moon. Spear released his first solo project in 2007 entitled Spearitalk produced by Aristotle the Great and Fko. Through that process, Spear developed a working relationship with DJ Icewater and the two have continued to make music ever since. Spear and DJ Icewater went on make Spears second studio album called Spear. in 2009 (self-produced) and recorded two projects under the name Potliquor as well as numerous mixtapes. Spear has went on to work with world renowned artist such as The Crown City Rockers, Shing02 (Japan), MC Supernatural, Jeff Le Nerf (France), Steph1( France), Roots2000 (South Africa), WolfHawkJaguar and The Pharcyde. BEATS & FILMS In addition to profound lyricism, Spear is a soulful yet edgy producer, reminiscent of the Golden Era in a Modern time. He has produced songs and projects for Amad Jamal, Lunar Heights, Kurse Krew, Santos Soul, and Imani, Fatlip, and Slimkid3. Click HERE for the latest Projects. Spear has also blessed the Big screen with his magic. He starred in two films produced by 393Films. "So Beautiful" (2018) is the docudrama chronicling the travels of Sizwe from Oaklnd to South Africa to understand the roots of his name. "Tent City" (2019) which highlights the impact of unprocessed grief on mental health in America, the toll that gentrification has taken on the city of Oakland and ignites a call to action to reclaim our humanity in the midst of our ever-changing world. Spear is working on visual album a called the Prophecy, shot in South Africa, Oakland and Mt Shasta CA. This stunning collection tells the story of self-mastery and shadow work of an Afro Futur Warrior on a journey to reach his highest self and full potential. This visual album is due to be released in the Fall of 2022. NATION BUILDING Spear (aka Bro Sizwe) is also an Educator, Radical Healer and Mentor and has worked with young people, schools, organizations and government agencies throughout the Bay Area. He and his wife, Mizan are the Co-Creators of Spearitwurx - an organization that Inspires Intergenerational wellness and Racial Healing. They are the curators and lead artist of the Experience Sankofa Project- a living Museum of African History from the continent of Africa to Present-day Oakland. This offering creates meaningful conversations and deep reflection to build and restore race relations in America. Spear (Bro Sizwe) believes that connectedness is our currency and building authentic intimacy is key in our relationships. The practice of being vulnerable with each other can help us get to a place of transformation and liberation. He incorporates this philosophy into all his creative endeavors and makes "Radical Healing Music". His work with artists and community helps to bring the medicine to the people and uses culture as a tool for mental health, spiritual connection and community unification. He lives in Oakland with his wife, five children, and 2 dogs. "I am Because We are" Find Spear of the Nations Music on ALL Streaming Platforms IG: @SpearoftheNation Youtube: @SpearoftheNationMusic www.spearitwurx.com |