I dare you to go to see “Syncing Ink,” playing at Apollo Stages Victoria Theater in Harlem, and not have a good time! As you walk into the theater space, hip-hop is playing courtesy of DJ and composer “The One-Two” Kyleel “Proda” Rolle. The audience demonstrated the universality of hip-hop as it was filled with people of all age ranges and races; all had come to experience this production, which addresses hip-hop music with love and respect.
This play is the creation of Nsangou Njikam, and it tells a story of the West African Yoruba culture and hip-hop, and how spoken word has always been a way for our people to have a voice; a voice that was lost and needed to be regained. In this play, Njikam stars as Gordon, a descendant of an Orisha and the person destined to save hip-hop by winning an epic rap battle and becoming Master of Ceremony (MC). Gordon goes on a journey of self-discovery to find his rhyme and voice. Njikam is funny, captivating, and vulnerable as Gordon.
Gordon is guided on that journey by the Orishas who help him find his gifts. Actress Kara Young plays Sweet Tea, a rapper who comes with words of confidence and female power, and who goes directly for the throat of her opponent in rap battles. Young never ceases to amaze with the versatility, energy, and pure skills she displays when performing any role. She embodies her character with great passion, humor, and prowess. The other members of this very capable company include Elisha Lawson, who plays Ice Cold, who tries to help Gordon to train for his rap battle.
Lawson is absolutely wonderful as the comic relief and his raps easily flow. Nuri Hazzard as Jamal, Gordon’s opponent for the MC spot, is on fire. His rap battle skills are well known and his arrogance accompanies his skills. McKenzie Frye is sensual and shows a great deal of flair as Mona Lisa. Adesola Osakalumi is funny, engaging, and entertaining as Baba.
I love how—except for Njikam and Young—-the other cast members easily flow through multiple roles. This production had the rhymes flowing and the freestyling going. This cast spit truths that had everyone enthralled. It was amazing to watch this very skilled cast freestyle using audience members. Freestyling will be different at every performance unless the audience has returned: That actually was the case at the performance I attended, where freestyling cast members did so pointing out people who were returning audience members. This theater space in the round has the audience surrounding the cast, who perform on a large round rug in the middle of the stage. This production encourages audience participation and, believe me, there was a lot of that when I attended. People were having a marvelous time reacting to the rap battles and acknowledging the performers’ ability to spit.
If you love hip-hop, this show is definitely for you. If you are on the fence about hip-hop, you should go and see “Syncing Ink.” You will find yourself laughing, smiling, bopping your head to the beat, slapping your knees, and tapping your feet. This play will have you hearing the jokes, the ranks, the rap, and the power of the spoken word, and uplift your spirit in a way that leaves you soaring!
“Syncing Ink” has amazing direction by Awoye Timpo. Osakalumi, in addition to delivering an engaging acting performance, is also the choreographer, along with hip-hop dancer Buddha Stretch. Scene design by Jason Ardizzone-West, costume design by Ty Hunter, and sound design by G. Clausen supported the vibe in the room. Chief Ayanda Clarke served as the spiritual advisor and cultural director. Again, I dare you to go to “Syncing Ink” and not have a good time. It will make you think—plus, you get a chance to speak out loud the beloved words of many people’s hip-hop favorite “Rapper’s Delight.”
For ticket information visit www.syncingink.com and www.apollotheater.org.