Interview with Wawa, Super Bowl 55 Signer

Alex: Hello, Wawa! I’m happy you’re joining us. Are you excited to go to Tampa?

Wawa: Yes, I’m excited to be going to Tampa. A dream of mine. Well, not to visit Tampa - I’ve visited Tampa many times - but to be a part of the Super Bowl! Wow. It’s an honor and a blessing. I am really humbled, and this is a dream come true because I’ve been wanting to perform there, but during halftime. But, hey, performing for the pre-game is still a beautiful feeling, too.

Alex: How did you prepare your ASL translation of the National Anthem and America the Beautiful? How are you practicing?

Wawa: You know, most of the time when you sing the National Anthem, the beginning part is powerful. Oh, say can you see! That kind of thing. It’s strong. This version isn’t. It’s a build up, so that leaves it up to me to play with how I want to do it. Also, for the National Anthem, this is the first time that there will be a duet. I don’t think that has been done before, and that’s so different. I love it! I’m excited for America the Beautiful. The woman’s singing is incredible, with such a beautiful voice. So I can play with that and make it visible in the way I want. Also, I’ll let you know that… Because the world is watching the Super Bowl, ok? Deaf people from all over the world are watching the Super Bowl, too. So, I want to be able to complete the picture in International Sign and in ASL. I want to merge those together.

Alex: I’m sure it’s a lot of pressure with a big stage, and a big audience.

Wawa: You can look at it as pressure, but I don’t think of it as pressure. I think of it as a wonderful opportunity. An opportunity to finally show what a Deaf artist can really do, especially as a musician. Portray it, to wake up people. Hello! We are here. Stop sleeping on us. Wake up. Sign language is so beautiful.

Alex: Who do you predict will win, Kansas City or Tampa Bay? Mahomes or Brady?

Wawa: Honestly, I’m not going to say. Because if I pick a team, it would be nerve wracking. But really, I’m just grateful to be a fan of both teams and to see them there. These are really hot teams, so may the best team win. I’m looking forward to it. I’ll celebrate regardless!

Alex: Imagine, Brady and Mahomes will be looking at you.

Wawa: Wow. I didn’t think of that. Ok! I didn’t think of it like that.

Alex: Now, you’re an artist. You’re not just someone who signs, but you create music with sound, lyrics, voice, and you’ve created your own genre, Dip Hop. Can you explain more about the concept of being an artist and making music?

Wawa: Being an artist, in general, is creating your own work from here to there [your heart to something tangible] for people who enjoy seeing what your inner creativity has to bring, from a place like no one has thought of. You bring a dream turned into reality. However, it’s your baby, so that means it’s vulnerable to open up and share your heart, whether that’s difficult or easy for you. That’s fine.

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Alex: Can you elaborate on what Dip Hop is?

Wawa: Dip Hop means hip hop through Deaf eyes. I’m trying to create a new music genre. I’m not saying many Deaf artists must use Dip Hop - the sign for that is [F handshape with palm facing forward, then swirling into a horizontal motion with the palm facing the chest]. I’m not saying that many Deaf artists must be involved in that, but I’m just saying that I created that because it creates a space for Deaf people to share their hip hop music. Now, what does that mean? Hip hop through Deaf eyes. Many people know about hearing culture and how to describe it, like rap style, but what about through Deaf eyes? That includes ASL, too. We have parallels and we have contrasts. We have beautiful signs, and we can add many things. Now, the music game is tough. It’s tough. There’s still restraint and doubt towards Deaf musicians out there. There are several of us who are very skilled and have expertise, but we hit many walls. We can come through things, but the music game is still hesitant about us. “How can I trust you? How do you do music? In what ways?” Fine, so that’s my job, to educate you on that. Are you willing to meet halfway?

Alex: You just released a new album named “Wamilton”. Cool. I know you used word play with “Hamilton” and Wawa.

Wawa: Yes!

Alex: I read the lyrics named, “Black Deaf in America.” I counted - if I’m right - you named 34 different Black Deaf people, plus NBDA.

Excerpt of the lyrics:

…Hey
Be about it , bout it
We in beast mode
We don’t stop
The quote of the day bel
Where was I
Full stop

Andrew Foster, the man with the plan
Built 32 school in Africa motherland

Claudia Gordon, lawyer from our tribe
Break in’ down barriers with
And she rise

CJ Jones is the freakin living legend
Baby Driver, Avatar, where you been man

Ernest Hairston and Linwood Smith
Black Deaf in America, that book,
Yo get it, get it…

Alex: That’s a total of 35 references in your song. As for them, do you feel their skills and contributions are overlooked or demeaned?

Wawa: That still isn’t enough. Ok. I need to clarify that. That’s only part one. I will make more later related to that song. Because there are so many Black Deaf people who have contributed to Deaf culture and Black Deaf culture, and together. Yes, they have been overlooked. Sometimes their stuff has been stolen and copied from other people who take credit. They’ve been devalued by others. It’s a lot. But these people in this song, right now, in Black Deaf in America, really inspire me. They’re still with us today on Earth. Some are gone. I recognize the impact they gave to the community, and I love their work. They gave me… I feel a sense of pride, ok? I learned sign language at college. That’s it. Ok. I had zero knowledge about Black Deaf culture. Nothing. I came into Gallaudet University, where I graduated from, and I was blown away. I learned and picked up on so much. I experienced so much. And I’ve seen - when I became a part of NBDA, whoa! There’s more? There’s so many. Who are you? The first PhD graduate. What?! A PhD? A professor? I was deeply touched. I soak as much as I can. These are my brothers and sisters, like me. Nothing special about them or me, but they gave something special. I try to keep encouraging that. And, so, the best part is… They never gave up. They’re not quitters. They continue to encourage us, in different ways.

Alex: Last part: do you want to say anything to the world?

Wawa: This is honest from my heart. When you have a skill, please don’t waste it. You can develop it to make something that can encourage you to inspire someone else. Someone else could think “You did it? Maybe I can, too.” While you may feel it’s not much, it means a lot to that person. Maybe that’s the dream they want. Take a step at a time. Expect the unexpected. It’s a beautiful journey. Try. See what happens. Also, SHO SUM LUV. Please! The world needs it.

Alex: For sure. That’s for sure. Thank you so much, Wawa. I really enjoyed this interview and talking with you.

Wawa: Thank you for having me! I appreciate it!

Wamilton: https://diphopwawa.com/track/2605310/black-deaf-in-america