August 29th, 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history from Hurricane Katrina.
The storm took the lives of one thousand eight hundred thirty three souls, and it caused nearly $2 billion dollars in damages.
The aftermath and destruction of Katrina was not just from the storm, but also from the unmasking of an ugly climate about race and poverty issues that have been at the core of America’s systemic problem with people who have been marginalized; and we all got to watch it in real time on daily news feeds.
New Orleans Afro-Caribbean Folk Music Artist Ben E. Hunter releases his new album ‘Crossroads’ that reflects on the impact of Katrina 20 years later, but also celebrates the resilience and tenacity of the people of New Orleans and Louisiana that hails "come what may, we are survivors who rise.”
The first single off Hunter’s album reflects that sentiment the most. A track that he wrote and produced called ‘Rock a While‘ in collaboration with three-time Grammy-Award-winning rapper/singer producer Darius “Deezle” Harrison, known for his work with Lil’ Wayne, Drake, JLo and T.I., to name a few.
Hunter says “the joyously syncopated track boasts a unique hip shaking riddim, and introduces a new dance of the same name. ‘Rock a While‘ defines New Orleans as the festive party city that everyone around the world knows and loves. We have a culture like no other and food too.”
I caught up with Hunter to discuss his new music and get his reflection of the impact Katrina has had and its legacy.
Interview with Ben about this historic event on its anniversary on WWL TV, New Orleans:
