In this post we will explore the connection between music and politics. I should argue that this connection is very strong. Both through sponsorship and limitations imposed by political agendas, much content is created to either support or oppose the narrative. We will dive deep into the world of political activism in music. From the universally likable classics like A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke to the outright cheesy and highly political Wind of Change by the Scorpions, to the insultingly arrogant use of the Soviet anthem in Go West by the Pet Shop Boys, we will explore the interplay between art and politics. And despite the controversial character of this post, I will try to stay as neutral and positive as possible. Please do not take offense if my views differ from yours.
News:
Two more of my playlists are approaching a milestone of 1,000 followers. Many thanks to everyone who has followed these playlists, sent music to me, and listened to my music collections.
Fanger’s Tunes (Skater Playlist): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1VAsw858XoPuroYCIJw043
Happy Reggae: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1eLPo5wCe9tHTsnDPqvFQf
Music Picks:
I will begin my picks with the greatest example of a musical political stunt of all time.
We Are The World by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, performed by USA for Africa:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3wNuru4U0I
The release of the song celebrated almost 10 years of the anti-apartheid movement and preceded the downfall of the South African rand, which ceased being the regional reserve currency. The currency has never recovered its status, and the western countries had significantly divested from the South African economy.
At the same time, on the ground it did not feel like sunshine at all. The Soweto uprising of 1976 that brought the momentum to the anti-apartheid movement was a grim episode of political violence. In music, this pivotal moment in South African history is reflected by the outstanding song
Soweto Blues, written by Hugh Masekela and performed by Miriam Makeba [#11 on the Eternal Blues playlist]:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0nxZrE2FyoGndj09cvXGiY
Hugh Masekela has been a great inspiration for me and I’d like to draw your attention to this classic of his.
Stimela (The Coal Train) by Hugh Masekela [#6 on the Singing of the Soul playlist]:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/14WlbZooqYMTu5TSsYZ5Oa
South Africa was not the only place where things were rough and political activists were imprisoned or exiled. My next example is from Nigeria.
Beasts of No Nation by Fela Kuti [#46 on the Big World playlist]:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ot0H1QfIU99uxnwDRaw8m
On February 18, 1977, in retaliation for his activism and music, about 1,000 Nigerian soldiers stormed Fela’s communal compound, the Kalakuta Republic, in Lagos. It was a brutal and coordinated attack.
• Fela was beaten severely.
• His studio, instruments, and master tapes were destroyed.
• His compound was burned to the ground.
• And most tragically, his mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a respected anti-colonial activist and feminist, was thrown from a second-story window by soldiers.
She sustained fatal injuries and died later that year from complications.
Turning the page and changing the genre, I have always found it surprising how African reggae music is so often positive and light even when the lyrics touch on the most difficult topics involving oppression and violence.
Here are a couple of songs from Mukwevho Colbert (Harley and the Rasta Family):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmqaE1i9WvA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKS6a6quioE
It is too bad that Spotify does not have these songs and I cannot add them to my playlists.
I’d like to continue with another reggae singer from South Africa who was known for his political activism. Unfortunately, he died at the age of just 43 when he was shot and killed in a carjacking incident.
Prisoner by Lucky Dube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0b1Sk7_VFM
I’d like to switch gears now and respond to the cheesy political propaganda of Wind of Change by the Scorpions that was a musical celebration of events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the highly anticipated in the West fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. On the ground it did not feel like that at all. And here I’d like to share a song that reminds me of the 90s in the post-Soviet countries — which most probably was the same all over Eastern Europe back then as well. Don’t take it literally. Focus on the energy, emotion, and the overall message of the song.
Death Around the Corner by 2Pac [#15 on the Hip-Hop, Rap, R&B playlist]:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2usFfxgLjpAe4xFuwtZNHw
Now that I promised to try to stay positive, I’d like to bring a political anecdote that happened in my home province of Quebec in October 2022 when the local Liberal Party descended to its lowest numbers since 1956 while losing seats to the local center-right nationalist Coalition for Quebec’s Future. The funny part was that they did not seem to expect to lose in a landslide, nor did they plan for it properly. They must have paid for the song they were determined to play at the post-election gala, and either did not have a plan B or simply ran out of money to pay for a different song more appropriate for the loss they suffered. Laugh out loud with me when you listen to
Unstoppable by Sia [#119 on Top Pop Music]:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/38lCqICoibyXTy5BjwiGSP
I’d like to finish my music picks with the song that describes best the system of education. After all, there is always a lot of political agenda in the course content regardless of the discipline. And, please, don’t take me wrong. I would like to acknowledge the outstanding results brought by the creation of the public education system. Just think for a moment that some 100 years ago education was not accessible to most and that it is still not in many parts of the world. So, once again, let’s not take it literally.
Another Brick in the Wall, Pt.2 by Pink Floyd [#2 on the Singing of the Soul playlist]:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/14WlbZooqYMTu5TSsYZ5Oa
Final Thoughts:
Throughout the different times and regimes, music’s implication in politics remains a steady constant. This is easy to understand since politics is all about the message and “selling” of the political agenda to the masses. The message must become knowledge through public acceptance and thus help promote the agenda of the group that is rising to power. Music seems by far the best way to convey the message carefully wrapped in the emotional layering of the composition. A widely likable song can make its message seem likable as well. Even when this is clearly just a disguise. I am not here to criticize this approach. But I am not here to pretend that I don’t see it either. On my playlists I tend to avoid music with heavy political content, especially when a side is clearly taken and plurality of opinions is denied. I like to keep the conversation open, see things for what they are, and compare pros and cons through personal experience. As always, I’d be curious to know how you feel about it.
Last but not least, I would like to praise the talent and hard work of Martin Hovden from The Tidal Water. He recently completed the album called Polarity, which is full of songs with rebellious political content. I admire both the lyrical approach and compositions. I suggest you take a listen to Martin’s songs. For example,
High Rise Towers & Golden Showers by The Tidal Water [#29 on the New Rock – Top 50 Selection playlist]:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RCxUCXOZPCIMaSP84gQqT