‘Black Myself’ songwriter Amethyst Kiah plays downtown Tampa on Friday

Self-described “Southern gothic” singer-songwriter Amethyst Kiah—who’s headed to Tampa on Friday for a show at the Straz Center—is already a recipient of the Grammy for Best American Roots Song.

“Black Myself” is both an encouraging anthem for POC—and a middle finger to racists and some conservative Christians. “Your precious god ain’t gonna bless me/‘Cause I’m black myself,” Kiah sings on the track.

The Tennessee-bred banjo player could revolutionize a new Great American Songbook, see her at the intimate Jaeb Theater while she’s in the process of doing so.

This article appears in May 26 – Jun 1, 2022.