Agalisiga Mackey
“The Chuj” Cherokee Cultural Activist Musician Songwriter
Agalisiga “The Chuj” Mackey is a Cherokee singer/songwriter from Oklahoma. His debut full-length country-folk album is entirely written, sung, and performed in theCherokee language, with producer Jared Tyler. You’ll be hearing several clips from the album.
Agalisiga starting writing songs as vehicle to strengthen his knowledge of Cherokee, and he talked to me about the richness of this endangered language, including the syllabary, the importance of immersion schools and the urgent necessity of bringing the language and culture into the contemporary life of the community. He also spoke about the history of forced relocation, the negative impacts of the boarding schools, the Importance of upholding the traditional value of inclusivity, and also his musical influences.
Video Podcast Platforms Transcript
Newsletter sign-up Podcast Merch Buy me a coffee?
I wanted to let you know about some other episodes I’ve linked directly to this one, which I think may interest you, with Chuck Copenace,
Omo Bello, Jean Rohe, and Bukhu Ganburged Complete Catalog of Episodes
