In which we engage the following theses: (1) the ruling class benefits from illiteracy. (2) short-form video entertains more than it sticks. (3) reading is a discipline distinct from listening, watching, or other forms of literacy. It’s a skill that needs to be honed separately. (4) Absolutely no one comes to save us but us. Full and accurate transcript available at ismatu.substack.com. Thank you for listening Jazz of the Episode: The Jordan River Song x Emahoy Tsege Mariam Gebru Lena’s Song x The Sweet Enoughs Sunset and the Mocking Bird x Duke Ellington Abusey Junction x Kokoroko Udo x The Cavemen. Muziqa heywete x Getatchew Mekurya Mogoya x Oumou Sangaré Drume Negrita x Andy Bey Tony x Larry Morezo, Dennis Tini Melancholia x Wynton Marsalis Spring Yaounde x Wynton Marsalis This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ismatu.substack.com/subscribe