Do you know where the great Golden State of California got its name from?
What if I told you California’s name is rooted in a 16th-century Spanish chivalric romance novel* centered around a beautiful, Black, and powerful mythical character, Queen Calafia, whom in all likelihood, is California’s true namesake.
In this famed tale and often overlooked connection to the Golden State, Calafia rules an island kingdom renowned for its abundant gold and pearls, a detail that resonated with the gold-seeking motivations of European colonizers of the time. Populated solely by Black warrior women who were well known for their strength and courage, this mystical realm maintained a formidable matriarch exuding self-sufficiency and womanhood, a reminder of the universal origin of humanity, which is that we all came from a woman.Today, two of California’s highly celebrated microphone ministers, Lizzy Jeff and Ras Ceylon, revisit the genesis of California’s identity with their new single and music video: “Calafia”.
Lizzy Jeff sparks the YunggTrip-produced ceremony with a mythological history lesson, wrapped in solid gold sensuality, which continues to thrive and grow strength when met by Ras Ceylon’s masculine manuscripted sixteen bars, creating the perfect balance of illuminating positivity mixed with infectious party vibes. The visuals, directed by Danielsun Media, capture a sacred gathering with appearances by the Zen & Kush Vixens, who pay homage to the Calafia origin story in a beautifully seductive way.
Ras Ceylon explained, “Calafia was made organically on the spot. Lizzy pulled up to the studio and began asking deep questions regarding our intentions for this song. She then asked YunggTrip what he was feeling when he made the beat. Next thing you know, we both wrote & recorded our verses in less than an hour. It was magical!” Lizzy Jeff added, “With the rise and celebration of Black women in Hip Hop, this song adds the perfect touch of feminine energy to the West Coast sound… just in time for summer.”
Lizzy Jeff and Ras Ceylon’s “Calafia” is OUT NOW on all platforms via Zen & Kush Records.
*Las sergas de Esplandian” authored by Garci Rodriguez de Montalvo in 1510
