Kopano

Pronouns: they/them/theirs

Social Media: Instagram: @kopanoart

Bio: Born on Chicago’s Southside, Kopano is a cultural worker who transmutes the present moment into powerful performances. They were immersed in dance and music classes at 4 years old, and have been exploring their expression through art since then. Seeing theirself in the legacy of Pan-Africanism, Kopano strives to connect their South African and native-Chicagoan roots through musical production and collaboration. Since finishing at Oberlin College & Conservatory in 2022, Kopano has had the pleasure of performing at DuSable's Annual "In The Spirit of Nelson Mandela" celebration, The Taste of Chicago, Navy Pier’s Wave Wall Stage, and the Englewood Jazz Festival. As a 2024 recipient of Chicago DCASE's Individual Artist Grant, they’re on a journey to reintegrate the true purpose of artistry into society as a tool for collective healing & celebration.