In this episode of banjo chat I sit down with Hannah Mayree — musician, cultural worker, and founder of the Black Banjo Reclamation Project. Hannah shares the origins of the project, born from a deep need and desire to reconnect Black communities with the banjo’s African roots and reclaim its history, sound, and spirit.

We talk about growing a healing community around the banjo, putting instruments in people's hands, and reshaping how we understand the banjo's place in American music and Black culture.

Hannah also reflects on her early days of train-hopping and hitchhiking across the country, discovering fellow travelers and banjo players along the way. We talk about the intersection of music, spirituality, and belonging, and how audience participation, songwriting, and collaboration shape her creative process in her own music.

This is one of the most enlightening conversations I’ve had about the banjo, excited to share with you!

To learn more:

https://www.blackbanjoreclamationproject.org/