The story of Americana is deeply connected to the story of Black music in America. From the blues, spirituals, gospel, and work songs to folk, country, soul, rock and roll, and rhythm and blues, Black artists and musical traditions have helped create the sounds that generations of musicians would build upon. The banjo’s African origins, the influence of the blues on country and roots music, and the songwriting, storytelling, vocal traditions, and rhythmic innovations of Black musicians are all essential parts of the genre’s history.
Yet many of these contributions have historically been overlooked or separated from popular narratives about Americana and roots music. NMAAM’s partnership with AMERICANAFEST creates an opportunity to celebrate that shared musical history while recognizing the Black artists who have shaped it across generations.
Through live performances, intimate conversations, film, storytelling, and special artifact reveals, this year’s programming brings those connections to life. From legendary voices to contemporary artists carrying these traditions forward, AMERICANAFEST at NMAAM celebrates Americana not as a single sound, but as part of an interconnected American musical story with Black music at its foundation.
Lucius “Spoons” Talley // 353Media
Kenny Sharp: Live Performance + Conversation
Featuring remarks from Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association, and NMAAM Board Member Shannon Sanders
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Roots Theater
Ruthie Foster: In Conversation + Artifact Reveal
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Roots Theater + Lobby Cases
Bobby Rush: King of the Chitlin’ Circuit Screening & Q&A
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Roots Theater + Lobby Cases
Joy Oladokun: Music, Story & Legacy
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Roots Theater + Lobby Cases
Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association // 353Media
Kenny Sharp is a singer, songwriter and producer known for his signature genre-bending sound he calls, “Brown Liquor Music.” Sharp began his career as a rapper focused on lyrical skill before signing with mentor LunchMoney Lewis to Prescription Songs. He has since become a sought after name for his lyrics and melodies by film and television sync teams as well as music producers, artists and songwriters across genres including hip-hop, pop and country.
Ruthie Foster still remembers sitting in front of the TV in the Seventies, trying to convince her brother and sister to watch the Grammy Awards. The song “Thank You” was first written back in September when Foster was in Nashville for Americana Fest. She reflects on feeling of imposter syndrome and being questioned of her authenticity as a blues performer, even as she has racked up awards for said blues performances, including the Best Contemporary Blues Album Grammy in 2025 for Mileage.
The 92-year-old Bobby Rush is a three-time Grammy® Award winner for “Best Traditional Blues Album” for “Porcupine Meat,” “Rawer than Raw” and 2024’s “All My Love For You.” He is also a 16-time Blues Music Awards winner (with 59 career nominations), and has been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame and Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.
Joy Oladokun is one of today’s most compelling genre-defying voices, using deeply vulnerable songwriting to seamlessly connect folk, soul, pop, rock, and Americana with striking emotional clarity. A queer Black musician and daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Oladokun has become a vital cultural voice, writing songs that explore identity, faith, mental health, and social justice with honesty and restraint.
The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the legacies of many music genres created and inspired by African Americans, from spirituals and gospel to jazz, blues, hip-hop, and R&B.
Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, NMAAM’s expertly curated collections invite visitors to discover the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to educate and bring the musical heroes of the past into the present.
The National Museum of African American Music broke ground in early 2017 and opened its doors in 2021. Since then, NMAAM has welcomed visitors from across the country and around the world and has become a cultural landmark in the heart of Music City. It offers an experience that connects people through the power and legacy of African American music.
