Monday 28th March 2022
Sounds of Resistance
By Sagal Mohammed - @sagalamo
Music is intrinsic to understanding the core of Black experiences across the globe. Seamlessly sown into the fabrics of our culture and identity, Black music - in its plethora of forms - has soundtracked revolutionary parts of history in Africa, the Caribbean and North America since its inception, acting as armour against oppression and shifting political landscapes, all whilst connecting communities through shared struggles and the exhilarating highs of Black love and joy.
Between the 1800s and the late 1960s, we were comforted by the soothing sounds of Etta James and Sam Cooke. In the 70s and 80s, we were empowered by the rallying roars of Fela Kuti and NWA, whose lyrics still paint a vivid picture of the criminal and societal injustices bestowed upon Black bodies in our present day. Every song ignited a new spirit for revolution and a unified confidence to fight back - a feeling of strength that was echoed by a new generation of Black talent as we entered a new century.
While the essence of resistance remains within Black music to the present day, the focus has shifted back onto the protection of our peace through songs that prioritized celebrating Blackness, creating new spaces for us and gatekeeping our culture where necessary; take Solange’s A Seat At The Table.
Ultimately, each era of modern history has brought its own sound of resistance for the Black community worldwide. Here, we revisit a few key moments…
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Sounds of Resistance
Between the 1800s and the late 1960s, we were comforted by the soothing sounds of Etta James and Sam Cooke. In the 70s and 80s, we were empowered by the rallying roars of Fela Kuti and NWA, whose lyrics still paint a vivid picture of the criminal and societal injustices bestowed upon Black bodies in our present day. Every song ignited a new spirit for revolution and a unified confidence to fight back - a feeling of strength that was echoed by a new generation of Black talent as we entered a new century.
While the essence of resistance remains within Black music to the present day, the focus has shifted back onto the protection of our peace through songs that prioritized celebrating Blackness, creating new spaces for us and gatekeeping our culture where necessary; take Solange’s A Seat At The Table.
Ultimately, each era of modern history has brought its own sound of resistance for the Black community worldwide. Here, we revisit a few key moments…
