Kewu - $2 Portraits - Jeff Marcowitz Photography

$2 Portraits

A street photography project founded in 2009 by Thomas Hawk in San Francisco. I joined the project in 2011 and it has forever changed my outlook on interaction with strangers on the street.

Walking down Lake Street under the "L" tracks I heard the familiar sound of a dejembe. The high pitched raps along with the deep base were ear catching as he pounded out the African beats. I asked him if I could take some pictures; he nodded yes and continued to play. When he stopped, we talked for a bit and I told him about the $2 Portrait project.<br><br>He goes by Kewu, but his tag as a registered Chicago street performer had a different name. Kewu is 65 years old and has been playing percussion since he was 9. Born and raised in Chicago, he's worked odd jobs all his life. He said he went to school but had no formal musical training. He's picked up everything by just playing and listening to others. As I put $2 into his bucket and shook his hand, Kewu offered me his business card. Along with a phone number, it said "Percussionist Extraordinaire". Couldn't agree more.<br><br>Taken 8/24/12

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