#BlackLivesMatter, it’s an understatement, or rather a statement that should be rhetorical by now in this Post-Civil-Rights-Movement era. However, incidents such as those involving Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown, Eric Garner, Sandra Bland, and adding to the tragedies, others including, Baltimore’s Freddie Gray, and now George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, are proving to many African Americans that certain inalienable rights, can likely be violated. Widespread and widely known cases of racial profiling and police brutality are calling attention to offending officers, meanwhile few have been subject to disciplinary action, an injustice that has been leaving victims, their families, and the community at large, unsatisfied. And while outrage had incited many to respond through various ways and means of protest, one family puts a different spin on peaceful protest.
Kashaka and his wife Sauda have been married over 38 years and have always been focused on their family. Still, because they are black and have been living in Maryland’s more racially diverse neighborhoods, his entire family has been stopped, questioned, and even harassed, unnecessarily. Speaking openly to their friends of all races, they see the pattern. They know the number of these instances are disproportionately higher for black people not only in Baltimore but across the US. Their car had once been confiscated two days before Christmas by the police, claiming an insurance violation, even though Kashaka had already previously provided proof of insurance.
And, perhaps the most shocking of all encounters happened a few years ago with a case of “mistaken identity,” where his family was subjected to unlawful entry, as well as an illegal search and seizure, destroying their home and belongings. In light of the ordeal his family has been facing, Kashaka Olukayode and his wife, Sauda Olukayode, have put their frustrations to music. They have taken their stage show to nursing homes, community centers, and weddings. “We were all put on this earth for a reason and a purpose. Aside from our everyday jobs, we sing cover tunes and music from our “Believe in Yourself” CD, hoping to inspire folks in our community, reminding them each to stay encouraged,” says Kashaka.
Kashaka & Sauda Olukayode the husband & wife singing duo & song writing team, started entertaining in the early 1970’s, with a trio group called the “Kendells”, in Baltimore, MD. Upon meeting manager & promoter Lou Karpouzie, the group then became the front vocal group for the “Sound Track Band”, from 1970 to 1983. In 1978 Sauda attended acting school at The Theatre project, in Baltimore. In 1983, Shaka & Sauda formed a band called “Classic Revue” which open up for The Manhattans, & Regina Bell.
In 1986 Sauda won the “Randy Dennis Best Fest”, which included superstar ” Toni Braxton”, that win earned her a trip to perform as special quest at the world famous ” Apollo Theatre”, in New York. In 1987 Sauda won first place in the WWIN radio station talent contest, hosted by “Magic 95.9 Tim Watts”.In 1988 Shaka & Sauda’s band Classic Revue” won the Budweiser Showdown, they also won with the winning song that they wrote, called. “Don’t Stop Knocking on that Door”, the song earn a “certificate of achievement” from Billboard magazine. They also earned a opportunity to open up for “Peabo Bryson” & the Four Tops, at the Baltimore Arena. The contest had over 25,000 entries. In 1990-91 Sauda was semi-finalist in the Billie Holiday vocal competition. In 2000 Shaka & Sauda release a CD called “Good Ole Days”, featuring “Mama’s Song”, a song that they wrote in 1982, & a remake of, “Ruby & the Romatics, Our Day Will Come”. Also on that CD is a song that they wrote called “Get on the Floor”, that features their son.
In 2016 Shaka & Sauda release a CD called “Believe in Yourself”, the CD included, musician/producer Moe Daniels, jazz musician “Kim Waters”, & song writer & producer (James Rasheed Carter). The CD was recorded at Hot Tracks Studio. In 2019 Shaka & Sauda released their latest single, ” My Love “, featuring 3 of their grandchildren. That track was recorded at “Above Ground Studio in Baltimore. Some of the places they have played in Maryland are:, The Phase Three, Twin Pines in Essex, Brown’s Beef & Beer, Mother Lode’s Wild Cherry, Lafayette Palace, The Famous Ballroom, The Alcazar, also Harbor Cruises, World Trade Center, Martin West, Timonium Fair Grounds, Afram, Knights of Columbus, Reisterstown Road Plaza, & The VFW Post.
