Story & Lesson Highlights with Obafemi Kinsiedilele of Pine Bluff, Arkansas

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Obafemi Kinsiedilele. Check out our conversation below.

Obafemi, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I am on a path

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Greetings, I am Obafemi, representing MCE. What our readers should understand immediately is that we are on the front lines of community empowerment, driving sustainable change through education, advocacy, and direct action. We believe in the power of collective effort to uplift and transform our communities from within. MCE is a diverse collective of artists spanning drawing, painting, murals, graphic design, photography, and videography. While they are a creative force across many mediums, their shared passion for music is the heart that pumps the lifeblood of their movement. Fueled by the wisdom of our greatest teachers and scholars, their sound is a mashup of soul and hip-hop, crafted to inspire, respire, and revive the people. The collective’s lyrical backbone is held by emcees Obafemi (Magnum) and Ced Adamz, who bring a raw, street wisdom and cultural insight to their rhymes. They channel the everyday struggles, ups, downs, and the plight of Black people into a powerful narrative. Providing a contrasting but harmonious flow is soul singer Eshmelek, whose voice adds a layer of depth and emotion to the group’s sound.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
The strongest bonds are typically broken not by sudden, external disasters, but by prolonged, internal violations of psychological safety and shared reality. Restoring a broken bond is far more difficult than breaking it, requiring conscious, sustained effort focused on humility, accountability, and consistent action. Ultimately, bonds are broken when we treat people as things to be controlled or used, and they are restored when we commit to seeing them fully, respecting their reality, and prioritizing their emotional safety above our own convenience.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Face your fears, don’t be afraid of failing or losing because it is part of life and learning.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The right to exist autonomously—psychologically, economically, and educationally—on my own terms as a person of Afrikan descent. In terms taking from the principles of Kwanzaa, also known as the Nguzo Saba, the word ‘kujichagulia’ means ‘self determination’ or the right to define. It emphasizes the importance of individuals and communities defining, naming, and speaking for themselves, rather than letting others impose their definitions. This principle encourages people to take control of their personal and collective identity, creating their own culture, values, and destiny.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think that people think that since I’m very committed to liberation, that I don’t like to enjoy life, have fun, laugh and smile!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9obafemi/
• Twitter: https://x.com/9obafemi
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/9Obafemi/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@9ObafemiK/videos
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/obafemi-kinsiedilele
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@9obafemi