This Friday, November 22, 2024, sees the release of “Transa” (stylized as “TRAИƧA”), a compilation celebrating and honoring the trans community. The project, produced by the Red Hot charity, brings together more than 100 artists on a spiritual journey divided into eight thematic chapters – “Womb of the Soul,” “Survival,” “Dark Night,” “Awakening,” “Grief,” “Acceptance,” “Liberation” and “Reinvention.”
Among the standout contributions is “Young Lion,” Sade’s first song in six years, dedicated to her transgender son, Izaak Theo Adu. The song is a heartfelt apology in which Sade acknowledges the difficulties her son faced and expresses regret for not understanding his identity sooner.
Another notable piece is a 30-minute composition by André 3000, entitled “Something Is Happening And I May Not Fully Understand but I’m Happy to Stand for the Understanding”, which is part of the chapter “Awakening”.
The compilation also includes a previously unreleased version of a Pharoah Sanders track, as well as collaborations from artists such as Fleet Foxes, Yaeji, Perfume Genius, L’Rain, Adrianne Lenker, Sam Smith, Beverly Glenn-Copeland and Clairo. For example, Sam Smith and Beverly Glenn-Copeland team up on a new version of “Ever New,” an original Glenn-Copeland song from 1986.
“Transa” seeks to highlight the contributions of trans and non-binary artists, promoting values of community, collaboration, care and healing. Producers Dust Reid and Massima Bell conceived the album as a narrative that positions trans and non-binary people as leaders in our society, reflecting the eight stripes of the pride flag.
The compilation will be available on digital platforms and in physical format starting November 22, offering a diverse and profound musical experience that celebrates the identity and resilience of the trans community.
