A star has been rising on the national music scene, and he hails from Baltimore. Serpentwithfeet, aka Josiah Wise, grew up in the city, nurturing his talents in the church and public-school choir before landing gigs at the likes of Coachella and attention from Billboard, Rolling Stone, and Vogue. His ethereal brand of R&B expands on his second record, Deacon, evolving from haunting soundscapes to buoyant melodies that speak to Black queer love, with a few hometown shoutouts along the way. We spoke with Wise about how the city shaped him.

Growing up in Baltimore, you were raised in the church and were part of the choir from a young age, with gospel coming through in your work today. Was that where you fell in love with music?
Church choir was definitely my earliest musical memory. From the time I was a kid, rehearsal was a big part of my life. It taught me how to work with others. I’ve always been interested in the arts—theater, dance, writing, all those things—but music just electrified me. There was so much gravity to it. It was something I couldn’t shake.

You attended Baltimore City College. How did your time there influence you as an artist?
We had such a rich education as teenagers. We had such wonderful arts programs, dance teachers, an incredible marching band. The choir was incredible; we traveled and competed internationally. It just really opened my eyes and widened my perspective and made me incredibly proud of being a Black artist. They never shied away from talking about Blackness.

During school choir, you performed a lot of classical music. What was it like working with so many pieces written by a bunch of old white guys?
We learned the Handel, the Schubert, the Bach, but we also learned a lot of music by Black composers, from Moses Hogan to Nathaniel Dett to H.T. Burleigh. Our teachers were preparing us to be strong, independent thinkers. It definitely changed me.

Any there any particular artists that had a big influence on you?
Sisqó, for sure. We all knew he and Dru Hill were from Baltimore. He was our legend. He was such a wonderful, charismatic singer. Through and through a great performer. And just what he did sartorially, with the way he presented himself with fashion and in his stage presence. I often think about how brilliant he was.

What was your relationship to Baltimore Club music as a kid?
I think a lot about just how connected to the rhythm we were as kids. Anything could turn into a club song. Somebody could start making a beat on the lunch table and we had a song. It was a lot of fun, but it was also incredibly functional, with great storytelling like Rod Lee’s “Dance My Pain Away” or Miss Tony’s “Storybooks” or “Living In The Alley.”

Did your city having its own genre inspire you to carve out your own unique style?
Absolutely. Baltimore artists are so brilliant, so innovative, and they gave me a lot of courage once I decided to start making music. I saw people push the needle.

Do you still consider Baltimore home?
I do. I love Baltimore City. I am so thankful that I was nourished and nurtured by so many people there. A lot of the tools I needed, I got in Baltimore. There was no creative lack, no spiritual lack, no intellectual lack in that city. Baltimore equipped me with everything I needed, and by the time it was time for me to go, I was ready. I’m still ruminating on those lessons.

Founded in 1976 as part of the city’s annual Showcase of Nations, AFRAM—a free, two-day, family-oriented celebration of African American culture, community, and performance art—remains one of Baltimore’s most anticipated summer festivals.

“We invite not just Baltimoreans but everyone, young and old, to come experience a jam-packed weekend that honors the unique experience of African-Americans in Baltimore,” Mayor Bernard C. Jack Young shared in a press release about the event. “Our city’s culture of black excellence is no secret and we are happy to have this annual event to display and celebrate it.”

This weekend will mark the third year that Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP) hosts the event at Druid Hill Park. In an attempt to rebrand and reinvigorate the festival this time around, BCRP launched #AFRAMILY—a colorful social media campaign that spotlights short videos and interviews with local artists and entrepreneurs about their experiences living and working in Baltimore.

Featured Baltimoreans include Carleen Goodridge of Le Monade, The Voice star and recording artist Davon Fleming, MD State Senator of the 45th District Cory McCray, and nail artist Charlotte James of Power Decals.

“We are a majority black city, so AFRAM is such an incredible way to showcase our creatives and entrepreneurs,” James says. After years of fluctuating attendance, the 2017-2018 seasons saw a significant uptick in participation. “We expect an even larger crowd this year,” shares Whitney Brown, public relations officer for BCRP. “At Recreation and Parks, we are always looking for opportunities to reconnect the community with our spaces.”

With generous sponsorships from the likes of WBAL-TV, BGE, and Kaiser Permanente, AFRAM can once again bring some big names to Druid Hill Park. Celebrated musicians including Teddy Riley with Guy, Sevyn Streeter, The Combs, Wreckx-n-Effects, Kiana Lede, and our own Dru Hill will take the AFRAM Live Stage. And Rick Ross, one of the more anticipated performers, will headline the festival on Saturday, August 10. “Our lineup this year is phenomenal,” Brown continued. “I’m excited to see the crowd’s reaction to bringing Dru Hill back.”

Along with the stellar performances, attendees can browse a diverse selection of merchandise from local vendors, sample bites from food trucks, and enjoy a designated kids zone.

“Druid Hill Park is a place where a ton of family reunions are held,” Brown says. “AFRAM wants to remind folks of that feeling of reuniting with loved ones.”