Name, location and what do you do?

Amari Johnson. I am a writer and musician based in New Orleans, LA.  In addition to putting the final touches on my PhD in Cultural Anthropology, my two major projects are Scattered People Arts and teaching at Kamali Academy.  Scattered People Arts is a multi-media production company.  Kamali is an African-centered home school collective my friend started two years ago.

Why are you a global nomad?

When I was a kid, I couldn’t sit still.  As I got older, it only got worse.

What made you start this venture? Why are you doing this?

It is my goal to be self-sustaining and prosperous off of my arts and talents.  In my mind and heart, it’s all so possible.  More than that, it’s how we were all meant to be.  By doing this, I want other folks to see we can all do it.

What do you hope to achieve?

I look to create quality cultural works that show us who, what, and where we are as African people, where we can be, and how we can get there.  In a phrase, I want to inform and inspire.

How long have you been working on this?

I’ve been creating since I was in high school, but the vision has really solidified over the past year.  In this time, I’ve completed a book, a CD, and will be touring the country this summer with my band, the BlackStar Bangas.

What is the most interesting discovery you have made since starting this project?

That once I accepted the challenge of it all, it became clear it couldn’t be any other way.  From there, things have just come together.

Where do you see this project in 10 years?

Oh, in 10 years I’ll be traveling the world doing what I’ve come to do!  Scattered People Arts will be known and recognized as a producer of innovative cultural works that see us whole ;-)

When did you start traveling?

I played soccer growing up, so that brought me all over the east coast.  That started when I was about 10.

How and why did you travel for the first time?

My first trip as an adult was in college.  I did a summer science course in Brazil.  We were in the rainforest, which was cool, but there weren’t any people around!  The time was short and there was so much I wanted to do, so I knew I needed to return.

In what places have you lived and what languages do you speak?

Cuba, Ghana, Brazil, and a few cities in the US.  I speak English and Portuguese.

What’s your favorite city so far?

Cape Coast.  Easy.  New York is second, though.

If you could only take one item with you to travel the world (other than your passport), what would it be?

Don’t ever sleep on what comfortable shoes can do!

Give us your global nomad profile:

window or aisle? Aisle

boat or plane? Plane

train or bus? Train

walk or bike? Walk

metro or trolley? Metro

tropical, temperate, polar? Tropical

hotel, hostel or local’s apartment? Local’s apartment, for sure.

must have fashion piece when traveling? Dry socks

explore/map or tour guide? Explore!