Hip Hop Violinist keeps feet moving during Black History Month food taster
Hip-hop violinist Daniel “D” Davis performed for students and faculty on Feb. 16 in the Bovee University Center Rotunda.
Daniel Davis incorporates hip hop and soul into his violin playing.
In celebration of Black History Month, Central Michigan University brought hip hop violinist Daniel Davis, who performed Monday during a food taster event. With mouths full of chicken, mac and cheese and cornbread, the audience was encouraged by Davis to think outside of the box.
“Everyone thinks people like me are rappers or drug dealers, but we’re not,” Davis said. ¨It does not matter what your demeanor is, you can always be and do something different.”
Born in Charleston, S.C., Davis originally hated playing the violin, but thought it was a better option than playing the alternative: handbells. At age 12, Davis started taking lessons at a church; the now 25-year-old fuses two different styles of music to form his own.
“I was hoping for good music and that’s exactly what I got,” said Houghton Lake freshman Brianna McGregor.
While performing some of today’s top hip hop hits, Davis used his entire body to play his instrument. Although there was a chair on stage, Davis never sat down. Instead, Davis moved the length of the stage.
After playing five songs, the audience called for an encore. With one back-up song prepared on his set list, Davis got the audience up on their feet. No dance floor was in sight, yet members of the audience stood up and danced to the rhythm of Davis’ violin.
Many audience members were required to attend because of a Multicultural Advancement Cofer Scholarship.
MAC scholars are required to attend two Black History Month events to broaden their cultural outlook.
“I chose this Black History Event because it worked with my schedule, but I stayed because the hip hop violinist made the even more current and relatable to the African American culture,” said Laingsburg freshmanJordan Ransom.
