Rapper Frank Waln performing at NU

Award winning Sicangu Lakota Hip Hop artist, Frank Waln, is performing at Nipissing University on Tuesday, November 24, at 6 p.m. at The Wall. Rapper, producer, and performer - Waln uses his music to address colonialism, state violence and other issues affecting Indigenous people. Originally from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, he travels the world spreading hope and inspiration though performance and workshops focusing on self-empowerment and the pursuit of dreams.

Waln is making a name for himself as an independent musician and Indigenous activist through social media and through his music with songs like “Oil 4 Blood,” “AbOriginal” and “Born on the Rez,” that function as anthems of hope and healing to those fighting against appropriation, oil pipelines and racism. The conscientious lyricist attended Columbia College in Chicago for Audio Arts and Acoustics.

Waln has been featured on Buzzfeed's 12 Native Americans Who Are Making A Difference, USA Today, ESPN, and MTV's Rebel Music Native America. He has written for various publications including Decolonization, Indigeneity, Education and Society, as well as The Guardian.

He’s also earned several prestigious awards including three Native American Music Awards, the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development 2014, Native American 40 under 40, and the 2014 Chicago Mayor's Award for Civic Engagement.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome.