INTRODUCING: STUDIO KABILITO
STUDIO KABILITO is a creative studio that explores Black, Femme, and Trans aesthetics and perspectives in the music industry. Beyond that, KABILITO is a creative universe telling the stories of four music lovers and the intersectional communities they represent.KABILITO primarily sells a collection of digital and physical zines discussing Black Trans Feminism, pop culture, and the music industry. A portion of profits are donated to local mutual aid campaigns.
KABILITO is an act of resistance against the notion that Black, Femme, and Trans communities will always have to stomach degradation and poor representation to engage with pop culture. KABILITO exists so folks who are historically excluded can begin to picture a world they belong in.
MEET THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: MK
MK is a Black, Ugandan-American, neurodivergent, they/he lesbian with a big heart and a head in the clouds.MK's dream has always been to tell stories that move people. Their artistic practice is their most fundamental mode of activism, helping others navigate a world that conditions us out of our empathy and critical thinking capabilities. They strive to represent real-life diversity and complexity in their work, and to empower marginalized communities in the process. Their weapons of choice against systematic oppression are graphic, UX/UI, and motion design; 2D and 3D animation; illustration; and software development.
THE STORY BEHIND THE STUDIO
Growing up, MK looked to Black stardom to develop their understanding of what it means to be Black, and what was capable for (and expected from) them as a Black, femme-presenting person. They were often shamed out of interests considered "innappropriate for a Black girl to engage in". Now a seasoned oreo, MK is on a journey to unravel the anti-Black narratives they have been taught, so that they may come to embrace who they truly are – a person affectionately named Kabilito (“one who was born in the dark”).STUDIO KABILITO is a live documentation of this learning process, as MK investigates the Black, Trans, and Femme contexts in music and pop culture. With this initiative, they intend to answer the question: How can we represent Black identities, heritages, and cultures artistically without playing into harmful narratives? What does that commitment look like in practice?
Four college students decided to create the KABILITO Editorial Board for different reasons, but one thing they have in common is their love for music! They bring their unique skills and backgrounds to the table to make KABILITO what it is.In real life, STUDIO KABILITO is created soley by MK. That said, MK seeks out community members from different backgrounds to support the well-rounded development of KABILITO. This better ensures STUDIO KABILITO forever remains respectful and centered on Black, Femme, and Trans people.
