Rihanna's Sign Language Interpreter Justina Went Viral

 

Getting sign language interpreters perform at music festivals and concerts is starting to become a major craze around the world and in the U . S .. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for performers which ranges from Eminem to the Red Hot Chili Peppers are increasingly prevalent at musical occasions in the United States.

Regarding the halftime performance at Super Bowl LVII, ASL interpreter Justina Miles offered D/HoH audience members more than their money’s worth. She provided brilliant and thrilling sign language renditions of Rihanna’s songs.

The 20-year-old Deaf ASL performer put together a display that equaled or simply exceeded Rihanna’s efforts, as she accurately and energetically interpreted all Twelve songs in Rihanna’s set. CBS News went in as much as to say Justina “stole the show at Super Bowl LVII.” She danced and articulated each compelling word in “B-- Better Have My Money,” and evoked the tone and spirit within the songs solely through the power of American Sign Language.

Aside from delivering a highly praised ASL version of Rihanna’s halftime set, Justina also interpreted “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” sung before kickoff by US actor and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph.” This moving song, composed in 1900 by James Weldon Johnson, is regarded as the Black national anthem, and served as the rallying cry for the US Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and ’60s.

Justina Miles’ efforts at the 2023 Super Bowl substantially elevated the visibility of ASL at big public gatherings. In addition they increased recognition in regards to the importance of having sign language interpreters work in public settings and showcasing the D/HoH community in the media.

During a press conference held a week prior to the game, Justina described the presentation as a significant moment: “Not only for me to share this experience with the whole world, but to really bring that empowerment to millions and millions of Black Deaf people all over the country who’ve never really seen that before. I feel that is truly lifting every voice, even my voice.”

As demonstrated by the thrilling performance of Justina Miles during the 2023 Super Bowl, sign language interpreters at musical performances do more than render the songs’ lyrics. In addition they use their bodies to convey the songs’ pulse, musicality and feeling to Deaf and Hard-of-hearing audience members. In this manner, they perform a valuable service to the whole world by helping make the concert-going experience more accessible and enjoyable for many music enthusiasts. In addition, sign language interpreters help promote greater inclusivity for the D/HoH members of society, thus enhancing their lives along with the quality of global lifestyle.

For these reasons, American Sign Language interpreters plus the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing population deserve more significant coverage in the mainstream media and broader inclusion within the entertainment industry.