Sean Forbes thought he’d be watching the Super Bowl like everyone else—at home on his TV. Instead, the deaf Detroit rapper received a life-changing call: the NFL wanted him to be part of the Super Bowl LVI halftime show, sharing the stage with legends like Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige during the event’s first-ever hip-hop showcase.
On February 13 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Forbes and fellow deaf rapper Warren “WaWa” Snipe will deliver live American Sign Language (ASL) performances alongside the headliners. This marks the first time the NFL has integrated sign-language performances into the halftime show, expanding accessibility for viewers. Their ASL interpretations will also be streamed on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.
Forbes described the opportunity as a breakthrough moment for accessibility, saying it opens doors in a major way. While details of the performance remain under wraps, he confirmed he’ll be appearing during sets by Eminem and Snoop Dogg. He’ll spend the week leading up to the game in Los Angeles rehearsing.
More than interpreters, Forbes and WaWa bring energy, creativity, and artistry to their performances, transforming music into expressive visual storytelling. WaWa previously impressed audiences at the Super Bowl with his ASL performances of the national anthem and “America the Beautiful.”
For Forbes, the moment carries deep personal meaning. Turning 40 just before the game, he reflects on his Detroit roots and long-standing connection to Eminem. As a kid, he spent time around 54 Sound studio, where Eminem recorded early tracks. Years later, he even showed Eminem his ASL version of “Lose Yourself,” often sparking curiosity from others about how deaf individuals experience music.
Forbes explains that deaf people connect to music through vibrations and lyrical expression. That passion led him to co-found the Deaf Performing Arts Network (DPAN), which produces ASL versions of popular songs and content for the deaf community. Over time, he has built a strong reputation as a leading ASL performer, collaborating with notable figures like actress Marlee Matlin.
Now, stepping onto one of the world’s biggest stages, Forbes’ journey comes full circle—blending music, culture, and accessibility in a historic performance.
All data is taken from the source: http://usatoday.com
Article Link: https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2022/02/04/deaf-rapper-sean-forbes-eminem-dre-snoop-super-bowl-halftime/6671091001/
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