Podcast

PAR Meet the Artist - Zoe Mazah

In this insightful interview, Zoe Mazah, an artist originally from Liberia and now based in Munich, Germany, shares her music journey, her latest single *"A Better Place"*, and the upcoming ...album *"Till Then"*.

**1. "A Better Place"**: Inspired by a protest in Munich against right-wing movements, this song expresses Zoe's gratitude for those who stand up for democracy and justice. Although she couldn't attend, she was deeply moved by the 150,000 people marching for a better world, and the song reflects her belief that every individual action counts in making the world a better place.

**2. "Till Then"**: The albumโ€™s title reflects Zoeโ€™s unwavering belief in perseverance through life's struggles. The song *Till Then* represents her hope for a brighter future, symbolizing her ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth.

**3. Music Fusion**: Blending reggae, roots, soul, and dub, Zoe draws on her classical piano background and diverse musical influences. She likens composing music to cooking, combining various genres and emotions to create something unique, spontaneous, and meaningful.

**4. Transition from Classical to Reggae**: Trained in classical music, Zoe found her true musical freedom in reggae, a genre deeply rooted in African rhythms. Her connection to her African heritage grew stronger after visiting Jamaica, where she felt deeply moved by the culture and music.

**5. Collaborations**: Zoe has collaborated with artists like Ky -Mani Marley and Alborosie. She values these experiences, noting that working with different songwriters and musicians has expanded her creative process and musical knowledge.

**6. Learning from Producers**: Zoe highlights one of her most significant lessonsโ€”learning to listen. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration in music, viewing it as a collective effort, and learning from those around her.

In addition to discussing her creative process, Zoe also shared insights into her stage performance rituals, where she emphasizes mental and physical preparation despite a hectic touring schedule. She described her music as a nurturing "Ital stew"โ€”something soulful, comforting, and full of love, aiming to leave listeners feeling cared for and inspired.

With her album set to release on November 8th, 2024, and a busy schedule including a 2025 tour and upcoming performances, Zoe continues to pour her heart and soul into her music.

Stay updated on Zoeโ€™s journey and music through her official website (Zoemazah.com) and follow her on Instagram (@ZoeMazahMusic), Facebook, and YouTube for more.

**Listen, reflect, and discover Zoe Mazahโ€™s world through her music!**
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PAR Real Talk with Dr. Alison Parker - Mom Is the Missing Link

Dr. Alison Parker, a literacy coach and author from Brooklyn, New York, joins us to speak on the urgent reading crisis among Black children in America.
With two-thirds of fourth ...
and eighth graders reading below grade level, Dr. Parker shares why this issue often starts at home and not just in schools.

In this episode, she introduces her book *Mom Is the Missing Link*, which outlines 25 powerful practices mothers can use from pregnancy through elementary school to build strong readers. She explains how mothers are not only their child's first teacher but also the most powerful one.

Dr. Parker also offers insights into recognizing learning challenges like dyslexia, ADHD, and dyscalculia early. Her course *The Syllable Division Queen* helps children decode tricky words and improve fluency from kindergarten through high school.

Her website, https://dralisonparkerphd.com offers resources for mothers to join a literacy coaching community, book private appointments, and access tools to help their children grow into confident readers.

This is more than a book. It is a movement. A call to action. A reminder that the power is within mom.

Visit the website to get the book, join the community, and start closing the reading gap today.
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