About ANYxMEANS
ANYxMEANS was born from a dream, a journey, and a commitment to healing through music.
While on a sabbatical in Barbados, our founder Mandela Msanii was searching for direction. One night, he had a dream that echoed the words of Malcolm X: “by any means necessary.” He wrote it down, knowing it meant something bigger.
That vision became ANYxMEANS — a name that reflects our purpose:
To help communities connect, grow, and belong through music and mindfulness — by any means.
Mission
We help communities connect, grow, and belong through music and mindfulness.
We do this by creating healing-centered spaces where youth, families, artists, and teams build emotional resilience, cultural pride, and creative confidence together.
Vision
We envision a world where every aspiring creative person, especially Black and Brown youth, teens, and adults, feels seen, heard, and proud of who they are.
We believe music and mindfulness can reconnect us to ourselves, to each other, and to a greater sense of purpose.
Why Purple?
The color purple runs through everything we do for a reason.
Purple was the favorite color of both Mandela’s birth and adopted mothers.
His adopted mom, a regal social worker, always carried herself with grace and strength. His birth mother, whom he met later in life, shared the same favorite color. That shared connection became more than aesthetic — it became ancestral. Their legacy carries on through our work.
Today, purple represents legacy, healing, and the love of Black and Brown people that grounds our movement.
From Open Mics to Impact Movements
In 2020, Mandela met music producer, audio engineer, and artist Kevin “KaySuave” Foster through Oakland’s open mic scene. Together, they launched FLUID Open Mic — the Bay Area’s longest-running live-band open mic space, backed by their house band VibeMuzik.
They partnered with the late D’wayne Wiggins of Tony! Toni! Toné! and his nonprofit Youth Aid, who became ANYxMEANS’ first fiscal sponsor. During the pandemic, they kept FLUID alive virtually — connecting with musicians around the globe from The Compound.
But as the world changed, so did the work.
Why We Do This
During the pandemic, we noticed something deeply concerning:
Youth are losing touch with themselves.
In 2023, ANYxMEANS launched Know Yourself Camp in collaboration with Micaya, founder of the San Francisco International Hip Hop DanceFest.
Together, they created a new kind of experience where youth could process emotions through music and movement, practice mindfulness, and grow stronger with their families.
From open mics to classrooms, summer camps to professional trainings —
ANYxMEANS is still growing. But our heart remains the same:
Create healing spaces where music is the tool and mindfulness is the method.
Meet the Team
Mandela "Msanii" Baylis
Founder & Artistic Director
Creative visionary, vocalist, and cultural strategist. Mandela leads the artistic vision of ANYxMEANS, shaping every experience with deep intention and care. With over a decade in arts facilitation, healing-centered design, and community organizing, his work is rooted in legacy, love, and liberation.
“The world doesn’t need more noise. It needs more meaning.” — Mandela
Kevin "KaySuave" Foster
Executive Director
Music producer, engineer, and systems thinker. Kevin guides the operational growth and daily leadership of ANYxMEANS. With a B.A.S. in Sound Arts from SAE Expression College and a passion for youth development, he brings creative strategy and execution together to scale the movement with impact and heart.
“Music is how I love, teach, and show up for my community.” — KaySuave
Our Values
Community-First
Everything we do starts with listening
Cultural Pride
We celebrate where we come from
Emotional Wellness
Healing is at the core
Creative Bravery
We make room for real self-expression
Equity Through Action
We serve the people who need it most
Want to Get Involved?
We’re building something bigger than ourselves — and there’s room for you.
Success Stories
Zoo Labs
“You delivered way more than expected. The way you facilitate, the vibe you bring, the workbook you created... it’s all next-level. And the band? Amazing!”
~ Program Partner
Vinitha
“Me and my kid came in after a huge disagreement. We were both in a bad place... but this workshop shifted how we were interacting. I cried because it helped us connect again.”
~ Workshop Parent Participant
Sarah
“People were leaning forward. They were captivated. Watching a song get made in real time. That’s something they’ll never forget.”
~ Youth Museum Staff
Open School
"Within minutes they were able to engage with the students and 100% of the them felt comfortable enough to share some really intimate thoughts and experiences."
~ Michael, Teacher
Arts & Technology High School
"Thank you so much for inspiring the students. You helped them open up and find community with each other. I really hope the energy from the room spreads throughout the school."
~ Laura, Teacher
Let's Talk About Your Goals
Book A Discovery Call
We’d love to learn about your goals and build something that fits your culture, your timeline, and your budget.
📩 Prefer email? [email protected]
A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Tax ID: 39-2176418
© 2025 ANYxMEANS
ANYxMEANS
2648 International Blvd.
Ste 115 PMB1057
Oakland, CA 94601