Who am I? Who do I represent?
Being born and raised into an immigrant family where all cultures including our own are celebrated, has made me into the worldly person that I consider myself to be. I was born in Brooklyn, New York to a Panamanian mother with Caribbean lineage and an African American father with Irish and Scottish descent. My parents made sure that I learned at least two languages, therefore my mom spoke to me in Spanish and my dad in English. From young I was taught to respect others and embrace their differences and I would credit this teaching for the success I had in making connections with people in Panama. At the age of 5, I moved to Panama with my parents and I have been living there ever since. It is important to highlight the major contributions that Panama has made for my artistic growth. Of course, it all starts with my parents who have never once stopped supporting me and my dreams. Thanks to this (and the easy accessibility of opportunities in Panama) I have been able to 1. Train in every field in the performing arts, 2. Perform at every type of venue, and 3. Build relationships with people that have helped me elevate the quality of my work and character.
When I am asked my ethnicity, I always say that I am Afro-Panamerican. This word, Afro-Panamerican, encompasses everything that I am. And when I look into the industry, I don’t see my identity that much reflected. The one person that I could think of that somewhat reflects my identity is Pop Smoke. Pop Smoke’s grandmother is Panamanian, but he doesn't reflect my identity completely because he's never lived in the country like I have. I can think of Panamanian artists who I relate to and African-American artists that inspire, but none resemble me fully.
However, I am determined to be the one who can represent myself and other Afro-Panamanian, African American, and Afro-Panamerican people in the entertainment industry. I am going to make music that fuses the sounds that I have grown up with and my own personal style to show people the beautiful cultures that made me Alessandra Clarke.