#IMBHM: 5 Black Artists Who Made Music Against Oppression

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Oppression and inequality have always been major issues, but they remain prevalent in today’s world. They are currently being used to divide people and have created a split society, while not solving the real issues. However, there are plenty of people out there highlighting these issues and uniting people to fight against them.

One aspect of these movements of change is music and the artists behind them. Whether during the 1960s and the push for civil rights or during the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, songs have soundtracked and been rallying cries in the fight against the oppression of Black people. But, the artists listed below have also shown feminist, anti-imperialism, and pro-LGBTQIA+ sentiments.

These musicians have been spokespersons for their respective generations and put the spotlight on oppression and inequality.

Aretha Franklin

One of the most beloved artists in history, the Detroit singer’s talents speak for themselves. However, it was her upbringing under Clarence LaVaughn Franklin, a Baptist minister and civil rights activist, that defined her future activism. As a result, she was immersed in the civil rights movement. Franklin even used her own money and performances at events, to help the cause. She famously spoke to Jet magazine in 1970 about the arrest of activist Angela Davis, and how she herself had been arrested.

Not only a prominent figure in Black Liberation movements, she used her music to help in the promotion of women’s rights. ‘Respect‘, one of her biggest hits, asks for the respect of her partner in a time when women were seen as second-class citizens. This became an anthem for both Black Liberation and Women’s rights, alongside ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman‘.

Franklin didn’t only support causes directly related to her. She also supported the rights of indigenous people in the U.S. and worldwide. This was an artist who put herself on the line to fight against oppression. Meanwhile, she was using her talents to help put the spotlight on the movements she fought alongside.

Akala

This Kentish Town activist is probably known more to younger audiences for speaking out against institutional racism. Whether on Question Time or at Oxford Union, he has spoken out against the use of racism to divide the working classes and racialise knife crime. His views were shaped by his mother educating him on Black history and introducing him to speeches by Malcolm X. This upbringing alongside his sister, Ms. Dynamite, was written about in his book ‘Natives: Race & Class in the Ruins of Empire‘.

However, this artist got his start as a rapper and began releasing music in 2003. He references that upbringing and the whitewashing of Black history on ‘Roll Wid Us‘, his breakthrough single. The poverty he experienced is referenced in ‘Cold‘, while ‘Murder Runs The Globe‘ highlights the hypocrisy and the immoral deeds of the rich, while the working class is portrayed as thugs and punished for their situation. Akala has always been a wordsmith whether rapping, speaking, or writing, and remains an important voice.

Janelle Monáe

With it also being LGBTQIA+ History Month, one of the most creative artists of the last decade has to be included. They have spoken out against anti-LGBTQIA+ bills, systemic racism, restrictions on reproductive rights, and equal pay for women. She is also someone who has helped those living in poverty by working with organisations on the ground.

Their music has always put the spotlight on these issues. Whether on ‘Django Jane‘ which critiques those trying to minimise ‘Black girl magic’, or tracks like ‘Say Her Name‘ or ‘Turntables‘ that highlight police violence towards the Black community. Many will also point to ‘The ArchAndroid‘ album’s themes of resistance to the oppression of minority groups. The project sees Monáe dreaming of a futuristic utopia. Janelle is always fighting back against oppressive forces whether musically or politically.

Bob Marley

There are not many artists who have had the impact of this reggae icon. Marley was a pan-Africanist who wanted people of the African diaspora to come together. He wanted to move away from the European domination that had hindered the world. In particular, Marcus Garvey and his 1937 speech in Nova Scotia which called for emancipation from mental slavery inspired him. This would influence the final song on Marley’s last album ‘Redemption Song‘. The song references that speech and fighting for physical and mental freedom.

Despite his short life, he had many impactful records. Notably, ‘Get Up, Stand Up‘; a call to fight against oppression or the experience of oppression, and the poverty experienced in Jamaica on ‘Concrete Jungle‘. Marley’s legacy included the continued impact of these songs, which inspired Indigenous communities in their own fight. Furthermore, his children and grandchildren have been activists, whether musicians or otherwise. This includes his son, Damian Marley, whose single ‘Welcome To Jamrock‘, highlights political corruption, violent crime, and poverty in Jamaica. Another example is Donisha Prendergast, his granddaughter. She is a filmmaker who helped build a girls’ school in Kenya, and fought for police reform.

Kendrick Lamar

While his recent Super Bowl performance had much discussion online about its meanings and how provoking it was, Kendrick has always made music that speaks about oppression and inequality. Many will point to the BLM anthem ‘Alright‘, but his catalogue has plenty more examples. ‘King Kunta‘ makes reference to Kunta Kinte, a slave who fought against his oppressors in the book ‘Roots: The Saga of An American Family‘. Meanwhile, ‘Keisha’s Song‘ speaks of a woman forced into prostitution by her financial struggles, which highlights the objectification of women.

Lamar has also put his money where his mouth is. This includes donating money back into the Los Angeles community and organising toy drives in Compton. Furthermore, he came out against the overturning of Roe v Wade and has been supportive of people in the LGBTQIA+ community including Frank Ocean and a transitioned family member. Kendrick’s message and how far it should go may be debated. However, his support for those in need and the oppressed in society cannot be disputed.

Read more Black History Month pieces here.

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