The troupe of energetic 60 to 80-year-old grannies, which started in San Francisco's Chinatown in the 1950's has evolved over time. Their performance at the Rossmoor Senior Community in Walnut Creek is of their new anti-Asian hate rap. It's their way of channeling their anger over the attacks on Asian Americans.
[Ads /]
Their chorus "da-da-da" by the way means "hit, hit, hit".
VIDEO: Watch the trailer for 'Our America: Asian Voices'
Our America: Asian Voices | Official Trailer
With the help of a poet, the song in Chinese and English is part dis-track, part empowerment anthem. All done with lighthearted humor.
One performer shouts "I have the meanest line," which she recites in Cantonese. "Which means you degenerate, go to hell!" as she and the rest of the group burst out into laughter.
There is a lot of laughter for these seniors which appears to be keeping them young at heart. That humor apparent in the song's title "Gai Mou Sou" which means "chicken feather duster" in Chinese. An ode to a disciplinary tool from another era.
WATCH: EXCLUSIVE: 71-year-old warns others after dragged by car in brutal Oakland attack
[Ads /]
EXCLUSIVE: 71-year-old warns others after brutal Oakland attack
"It brings back memories of punishment from grandma. Before they were afraid and now they can laugh about it!" smiles one performer.
While the ladies admit there was a learning curve to getting the music video made, one even admitting "we didn't know how to hip-hop, so we were looking kind of spastic!" They say the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, even garnering attention on MTV's Facebook page.
"They're responding and tuning in and loving it! Our message is don't mess with grandma and treat your elders with respect. It's a warning to the community, don't hurt grandma!"
RELATED: Stop the Hate: A conversation about protecting our AAPI communities
[Ads /]
The Follies already tour around the country and when asked when they'd like to perform next? Their answer is a unanimous: "The White House!"
EXCLUSIVE: Thai woman brutally attacked on BART shares story, says 'feels like we're the target'
Until then, they plan to perform in San Francisco's Chinatown at Portsmouth Square at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 29.
TAKE ACTION: Resources to help the Asian American and Pacific Islander community
RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- Bay Area Asian Americans share powerful, painful memories of hate
- 83-year-old Asian man describes debilitating SF attack, warns people 'to be careful'
- 'Go back to China': Racist rant suspect ID'd as daughter of late NY senator
- Daniel Dae Kim, members of Congress to testify on discrimination, violence against Asian Americans
- Asian grandma knocked unconscious in unprovoked attack in NY
- Family outraged over SF DA's description of 84-year-old Asian man's suspected killer
- Nearly 3,800 anti-Asian hate incidents reported across US since March 2020, group says
- 'This is horrific': SFPD to step up patrols amid string of violent attacks on Asian Americans
- Daniel Wu, W. Kamau Bell discuss shocking crimes against Asian Americans
- Santa Cruz Warriors guard Jeremy Lin comments on racial slur directed at him
- #StandForAsians rally draws hundreds in San Mateo with 7th grader leading the charge
- Actors Daniel Dae Kim, Daniel Wu discuss violent crimes against Asian Americans in Bay Area
- Police investigating after Asian man stabbed in back in NYC's Chinatown
- Burma Superstar offers $5,000 reward as ABC7 receives reports of additional attacks on Asian Americans
- EXCLUSIVE: Former Bay Area gang member arrested after threatening to kill Asians online
- 'We're on alert': Volunteers arm Oakland Chinatown business owners with air horns for safety
- Arrest in NYC assault on Chinese woman after Olivia Munn called for public's help
- Hundreds of people are volunteering to escort elderly Asian Americans to help keep them safe
- Surge in racism against Asian Americans spurs calls for change
- Oakland police chief visits Chinatown shops, emphasizes need for 'greater presence' after attacks, crime