Everyday People: More Than Just Day Parties
A vibrant music and dance collective, Everyday People has transcended its origins as a simple day party series to form a thriving cultural community that pulses with energy, especially during Miami Art Week. What started over a decade ago in New York City as gatherings focused on hip-hop and R&B has grown into an international phenomenon, delighting audiences from Brazil to South Africa.
This year, the celebration finds its rhythm at the Wynwood Marketplace, a fitting backdrop for a collective known for its fusion of culture and music. “Everyday People is something that started out with no gimmicks,” explains co-founder Mohamed Hamad, also known as DJ mOma. “Our tagline was ‘Good food, good music, good people.’”
A Cultural Mosaic
mOma, who has roots in Queens, New York, highlights the importance of the Black American experience in shaping their events. “A lot of our team members travel quite a bit, whether they’re dancers or hosts. What really separates us is our ability to adapt to different locations,” he says. This adaptability allows Everyday People to thrive in over 23 cities worldwide from April to December, each time weaving in local cultural elements to create a unique tapestry of sound and movement.
The collective’s events resonate beautifully with Miami’s “fun, young and dynamic” scene, characterized by its Caribbean and Latin American influences. “It’s really an adult amusement park,” mOma adds, capturing the whimsical spirit of their gatherings.
Expanding Musical Horizons
Recently, Everyday People has also embraced a broader spectrum of musical genres, tapping into the rich tapestry of the Black diaspora. While hip-hop and R&B remain core, new genres are joining the mix—ranging from Jamaican dancehall and Trinidadian soca to South African amapiano, afro house, and Haitian konpa and raboday.
“Many people lament the current lack of hip-hop in mainstream music,” notes mOma. “But the emergence of more diverse genres from the African diaspora and the Caribbean is a positive sign for the future of Black music globally.”
Capturing Moments of Connection
Everyday People is not just about the music; it celebrates the interactions that unfold within its lively atmosphere. Longtime photographer and videographer Elliott Ashby emphasizes the significance of these connections. “It’s about authenticity, community, and connection,” he shares. Ashby has witnessed relationships blossom and friendships forge on the dance floor, catalyzed by the inclusive and vibrant space the events offer.
His photography aims to encapsulate the eclectic and artistic vibe of each gathering, showcasing how different cultures can blend seamlessly. Whether it’s celebrating South African culture in the heart of Chicago or enjoying Miami’s rich diversity, Ashby sees these moments as a reflection of our shared humanity.
Embracing Technology and Future Projects
In alignment with its growth, Everyday People recently launched a dedicated app that aims to sustain its ever-growing community. mOma hints at future projects, including potential photography exhibits or even a coffee table book. “We know that ultimately this has to culminate in some form of art project. I feel like we’ve created a stock photography database for Black joy,” he remarks.
Event Details
If you’re looking to dive into the rhythm of Everyday People this December, mark your calendars:
- What: Everyday People
- When: Saturday, December 5, 8:00 PM
- Where: Wynwood Marketplace, 2250 Northwest 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33127
- For more info: Everyday People Event Details
As Everyday People continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the power of music and dance to unite, uplift, and celebrate the shared joy of cultural connection.
