Join us for an unforgettable musical experience at Black Engineer Week, featuring an African drum performance by Prof. Eros in collaboration with the talented Asian American singer-songwriter Esther Young. This unique project began as a solo drum endeavor and evolved into a rich collaboration, blending diverse musical traditions and styles. Our performance will take you on a journey through various genres, seamlessly weaving together elements of folk, rhythm, lyricism, spoken word, acoustic, drums, and afro-folk-indie-pop. The set will feature all acoustic pieces, highlighting the raw and organic sounds of traditional African drums and Esther's evocative vocals and songwriting. With soul-stirring folk melodies, energetic and rhythmic drum solos, poetic spoken word interludes, and harmonious acoustic arrangements, this captivating blend of cultural rhythms and lyrical storytelling promises to be a highlight of Black Engineer Week, celebrating the intersection of musical artistry and engineering excellence.

About Esther Young

Esther Young is a singer-songwriter based in San José, California. A lover of literature and lyrical prose, she writes for the "multitudes" of her identities with an honesty that longs to be shared. In 2022, she released her EP Small Hands, Heavy Heart, and her first music video "Interbeing." Her daily mission is to be genuine wherever she goes. 

For most of her life, Esther has been a writer quietly weaving most of her brain's rambles into melodies she can support on her own, with piano or guitar. This past year, opportunities to perform and write with other musicians and artists have brought her much excitement. You could label her an "ex-vangelist," or a first-generation Chinese American thriving in the multicultural hubs of the Bay Area, but she's really just another curious human being, hoping to be a good steward of her time. Presently, she expresses her truest self in songs about departure and loneliness, healing and wonder, and love.

About Folarin Erogbogbo

Dr. Folarin Erogbogbo, affectionately known as Prof. Eros, Ph.D., stands at the forefront of Afrocentric performance, wielding his mastery in percussion and vocal call-and-response dynamics. Of Nigerian descent, his journey into the rhythmic realm began under the tutelage of the now esteemed Nigerian record producer, Don Jazzy. From those early days, drumming became more than a skill for Prof. Eros; it evolved into a fervent passion that would shape his life's trajectory. Throughout his illustrious career, Prof. Eros has graced the stages of a myriad of events and venues, captivating audiences with his infectious beats and electrifying performances. Through his presentations and performances, he elucidates how these rhythmic variations infuse Afrobeat music with its distinctive vitality, serving as the heartbeat of the genre.

Prof. Eros is also a biomedical engineering professor who is committed to cultivating the next generation of innovators and change-makers. Through dynamic coursework, hands-on research opportunities, and mentorship, he empowers students to explore the intersection of creativity and scientific inquiry, instilling in them a passion for pushing the boundaries of what is possible. With an unwavering dedication to advancing both artistry and innovation, Prof. Eros shapes a future where creativity and science converge to unlock the full potential of human potential.

Edited for clarity.