Afua Richardson's journey: From Parliament-Funkadelic tours to illustrating Marvel's Black Panther comics

Join host Tarik Moody for an inspiring episode of HYFINated Conversations featuring the remarkable Afua Richardson, a Juilliard-trained flutist who transformed from performing at Carnegie Hall by age 11 to becoming one of the first African and Indigenous American women to work as a penciler, inker, and colorist for Marvel Comics.

In this candid conversation, Richardson shares her journey from touring with musical legends like Stevie Wonder and Parliament-Funkadelic to creating influential comic art that helped shape the Wakandan language in the Black Panther films.

She opens up about navigating industry barriers, from music executives who didn’t understand her electronic funk style to breaking into comics through sheer persistence and self-taught skills. Richardson discusses her pioneering work introducing Adinkra symbols to the Marvel universe, her advocacy for better artist healthcare and representation, and her current passion project “Aquarius: The Book of Merr,” which blends African and Indigenous water myths with music and visual storytelling.

Throughout the interview, she offers practical advice for young Black artists, shares her unique creative process of using music to stimulate her visual imagination, and reflects on receiving the Nina Simone Young, Gifted, and Black Award.

This conversation is essential listening for young Black professionals, artists, and anyone interested in authentic representation, creative perseverance, and the power of embracing a “hyphenated” career path that refuses to be limited by traditional boundaries.

HYFINated Conversations