Q. Find some global examples and genres of music in this lecture and discuss how they have been localised to suit that nations or regions issues and concerns.
Beyoncé is called ‘Queen Bee” for a reason. She isn’t just a singer but an activist and philanthropist for the people of her country. Born in Houston Texas she takes extreme pride in her African American heritage and that is evident in her music. She has shown her support for several different social movements such as black lives matter. The video clip “Formation” has become the most political message that she has ever shared, evoking powerful images of black cultural pride, oppression, wealth and tragedy. The video makes clear references to the mistreatment of black people which is a historical issue that is still prominent in today’s society -a big problem in America.
The music video includes all African-American women who stand in ‘formation’ which symbolises black empowerment and that they will stand together and fight the unjust war against them, such as police brutality. She filled the music video with images that ranged from graffiti that read “stop shooting us” which is direct message to the police. This bold statement shows she isn’t afraid to call out the higher authority over their mistreatment of black people and it shows her community and the rest of the nation that she is a powerful figure in society. If that wasn’t obvious enough maybe the sinking police car was??
The R&B/ hip hop queen proves that this genre is very fluid and this is further emphasised by Jason Nicholas, a professor of African American studies at the University of Maryland said, “There is a historical continuum of black artists being inspired by political movements… all music is political,” he added, “especially hip hop. It’s just, what politics are you espousing?” What Jason is saying is extremely true because different artist’s songs are a reflection of their life experiences, living in different countries where we face different political movements and they express that in their own music. For example, Kerser an Australian rap/hip hop artist address issues that are happening in Australia with her frustrated and sometimes rude language. Growing up in Campbell town the rapper gives a voice to the Australian lower class. On “Same Scenery”, a track from his first album, Kerser raps “‘member growin’ up we’d lie about where we was from / cos… people’d treat us like it’s wrong?” He speaks from personal experiences and highlights how society makes up predetermined judgments based off the suburb or area we grow up in and that is evident through his rapping and music videos.
Furthermore, both artists’ use their voices and visual imagery they have created to advocate social or political movements that raise real issue that we face with in society and around the world.
References:
Toller, A. (2017). Australian rapper Kerser: giving a voice to the Australian underclass. [online] The Sydney Morning Herald. Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/australian-rapper-kerser-giving-a-voice-to-the-australian-underclass-20170307-gus8pr.htm
Carpentier, M. (2017). Beyoncé’s call for justice has been more evolution than revolution. [online] the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/jul/10/formation-tour-beyonce-police-brutality-tour-political-evolution
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