Indë, Parris, The Ujima Singers at The Iron Horse on Friday, June 19 2026
Indë (they/he) is an artivist born, raised, and residing in Massachusetts. Their live performances are designed to build community and amplify marginalized voices, both present and prematurely past/passed. “My would-be role models are buried: Marsha P., Marlon Riggs, and Malcom X.” Indë’s new album Role Model reflects on their experience growing up in the boonies of New England without Black queer people to look up to, and uncovers their power as a radical interdisciplinary artist today.
Born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, they (Parris) have used their artistic practice to build the foundation for which their brand stands. Their original compositions arranged for brass ensembles, choirs, and more have been performed and commissioned, including “Nuit De Ruse” at Duquesne University. Multiple acting appearances at The Majestic Theater in West Springfield, include the productions of “9 TO 5: The Musical” and, “The Buddy Holly Story”. In addition, they've performed self-written and produced music with their band at festivals, performed original compositions with the Holyoke Civic Symphony orchestra, and have been featured multiple times in Getty Images.They've built this artistic practice and success despite the odds. They are a queer person from an Afro-Caribbean household that spent years trying to fly with their wings nailed to the ground. Despite this, they've continued to have the burn in their heart to pursue their passions independently and professionally, becoming a brass and percussion Teaching Artist throughout the Springfield Public and Charter School district.
"What it means to be a true performer has always stuck with me. It’s about sacrifice, rehearsals, and transforming what’s been done to you to do unto others in the best way possible. To share experiences with hundreds of people at a time with live performances that showcase life and lessons, love and loss through the lens of a gifted, young, black, and queer human is what I've created my world around."
Prioritizing Black and indigenous (BIPOC) participation, the mission of the Ujima Singers is to bring musical and cultural collectivity to the Black community here in Western Mass! Founder Evelyn Harris specialized in music as activism, and aimed to create a space for intergenerational education through song, a torch that she passed to current director Indë Francis. Repertoire includes a variety of Negro Spirituals, blues music, and R&B.
In our sacred circle, Black and Indigenous community members are empowered, and our voices join in songs of justice and resilience. Ujima Singers have a unique responsibility; to learn Black American music and share it so that our BIPoC siblings throughout the region might be represented, educated, and empowered.
Most Ujima Singers are not performers. Most of us do not identify as "musicians." Yet we make music. Yes, we do! And when we share it, we perform. We perform to share. Ujima is a Swahili word that means "collective work and responsibility." Through confidence, love, and feeling, we can join in ujima and share our soul.
