Black History Month x Liberty Music PR: We're celebrating Black History Month with some influential tracks!
Author: Link Up TV Admin | Wednesday 21st October 2020
October is Black History Month in the UK, an event that has been celebrated nationwide for more than 30 years. The month was originally founded to recognise the contributions that people of African and Caribbean backgrounds have made to the UK over many generations.
We've collaborated with Liberty Music PR and spoke to a few musicians around the world about the tracks that influences them during Black History Month. Find out below:
MAUVEY
Ms Lauryn Hill - EX-FACTOR
Lauryn Hill, in my opinion, is the most talented artist of all time, male or female, black or white. I am proud to be black when I hear her music. The song EX-Factor really touches me, especially the part when she says, "No one's hurt me more than you and no one ever will", it's haunting.
Aretha Franklin - Young, Gifted and Black
The messaging in this song speaks for itself. It's undeniable, and I use it as a daily reminder. Aside from Aretha's unreal vocals and the gospel accompaniment, the message to future generations is inspirational and encouraging.
JONY SHELBY
Childish Gambino - Redbone
While a song that primarily describes his paranoia about a lover and her loyalties, the song also addresses the serious issue of race in America and the need to essentially "stay woke" at all present moments. With its brilliant melodies and songwriting, it was a song that really stuck with me hard going through college, an important period in my life where I was really starting to notice the particular patterns of the world more and how they pertained to myself. This song (along with numerous others) echoed the importance of being proud of one's colour, all to the backdrop of an infectious soulful instrumental.
VALEE MUSIC
Bob Marley & The Wailers - African Unite
It’s a song about black people uniting and Africa being one. Because if we come together as a people. We can bring about a lot of change.
RODNEY HAZARD
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Burnin' And Lootin'
This song screams volumes to me. Not only was Bob a musician that transcended time with his classic music, he had such a way with words that it still inspires the people like myself to keep fighting to this day. This song represents a significant moment in black history for me because this song made me make sure I’m on the right page of the same book with what’s going on outside in this place and time.
GOD-OF-CHAMBY
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Africa Unite
Quotes a lyric from the track: How good and how pleasant it would be before God and man. To see the unification of all Rastaman, yeah. As it's been said already, let it be done!
R.O.E
R.O.E - Shine
"Black History Month is a time of celebration and reflection. It is a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. Shine creates the perfect soundtrack for such a celebration. As a descendant of the African diaspora, we must acknowledge not only the greatness of those who came before us but also the greatness that lies within."
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Coll - The Keys
The song is personal to me as it is about inequality in the race at certain points of my life, (Chocolate plays underdog, World full of Vanilla). Some people have had to pay a certain price in order to excel in what they do. The quote from James Brown at the end of the song states this too as all we really want as people is to keep on living a good life without too much stress. The song is about belief in ones-self no matter what colour or gender.
Mello Will - Baby on Baby Quotes a lyric from the track: This track represents the most pivotal moment in black history that I’ve witnessed in my lifetime.
