“It is in the music that we found our identity”
Exploring the intersections of
music and identity
Black Tax on Black Music
Just like how Africa has been exploited throughout the centuries for its natural resources and human labour, Africa and its people are now being exploited for their cultural capital.
Appropriation of the British Working Class Aesthetic
Even with the way we dress, black Air Force 1’s, big hoop earrings and even grey tracksuit bottoms, now it’s cool but only because popular culture says so. And the exact same with our music.
Skepta Finds His Yoruba Roots in Cuba
Skepta has always been proud of his Nigerian roots, so he was shocked to discover how much of Yoruba culture is still embraced by Cubans today.
Split-Personalty Music From A Split-Personality Mind
Mental health has always played its role in the arts and creativity, but I admire that Rei Ami is so open about it. Especially regarding how it was her family’s traditions and culture that had been at the root of it.
Racism in the UK’s Electronic Music World
Racism lies in the roots of the contemporary-commercial music industry, and the foundational contributions made by Black Africans and its diaspora is becoming evermore erased as the years go by.
The Urban Debate on "Urban" Music
Historically and still in this present time, Black people in particular have felt most marginalised in this industry. - and they have every right to to be honest. The very foundation of the commercial record industry is literally linked to the exploitation of Black songwriters, who would give their music to White artists to record over because it would more commercially viable.
Ghanaian Roots Fused Electronic Music
Afrobeats has taken the world by storm, yet the emerging Electronic music scene is still thriving and giving space for a movement that’s alternative. Gafacci talks about his influences and the importance of identity in his music.
Black To Detroit, reclaiming Techno
Black people and Black culture has given much to our contemporary world, yet how has it become so whitewashed that so many no longer even consider it a space for them?
The Arab World's New Online Radio Community
By playing some of the forgotten retro funk and disco tapes emerging from the underground Arab world, some of the stations DJ’s aim to resurface some their cultures hidden musical gems.
The Spectrum of 130 BPM Club Music
Keysound Recordings and More Cowbell come together to have a cool discussion on the future of the UK’s club music of 130 bpm.
How Public Housing Birthed Hip-Hop
By forcing Black and Latino Americans to build their communities in these concrete jungles, this is where the wider picture of structural racism creation of Hip-Hop comes into play.
Nairobi’s Emerging Electronic Music
With my Dad being born and raised right there in Nairobi town, I feel a deep connection with what's going on there.
Lisbon's Afro-Rave scene
Myself being also a product of Portugal colonial history, I feel that I have some sort of cultural connection with what is going on their creative scenes.