FEATURE:
Black History Month
IN THIS PHOTO: Solange/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images
Giving Greater Exposure and Celebration to Black Artists and Creatives
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OCTOBER is Black History Month in the U.K.…
IN THIS PHOTO: Dave/PHOTO CREDIT: Evening Standard
and it occurs that, when you look out at magazines and the music press, there is still a dominance of white faces – most of them male. Given the rise and charges of essential artists such as Stormzy, Little Simz; Lizzo, Dave and so many of their peers, one cannot ignore black artists in 2019. This year has been one of the strongest for music in a very long time and I think black artists are right at the forefront. Lizzo, Jamila Woods; Sampa the Great and Solange have produced some of the sharpest and most incredible albums of 2019. I do think there is still a preference, whether it is the press or festivals, to book white artists. There are so many great black artists that get overlooked. I am not suggesting there is a racist component to the decisions but, really, in terms of sounds and looks, are we saying white artists are more commercial, desirable and popular?! We are seeing changes happening and steps being made. From the hottest and most relevant Grime and Rap through to Pop and R&B, black artists warrant huge acclaim and kudos. You only have to do a quick Google search to realise there is racism in genres like Grime; societal discrimination and stereotypes that is stifling and wrong. I think there are genres where racism is more pronounced – Rap and Grime are definitely up there. As I said, the strongest and most varied music is being made by black music.
IN THIS PHOTO: Jamila Woods/PHOTO CREDIT: Jamila Woods
I adore the Neo-Soul of Jamila Woods but listen to the Tyler, the Creator’s Igor or the latest cuts from Brittany Howard! It is an evolving industry and I do think we are a long way from equality when it comes to race. Black History Month is a chance to celebrate black pioneers and key figures; in musical terms, give some respect to the best artists, creatives and peeps that make the music world so vibrant, strong and promising. I will end with a playlist of some of the most important black artists, new and established, but if you want to hear more about Black History Month, make sure you do some reading. It is troubling seeing articles where artists must fight racism; where genres are subjected to problems of isolation and ignorance. For me, personally, I have been so inspired by black artists and producers (such as Quincy Jones). From Beyoncé and Prince to D’Angelo; Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin…these artists have stirred me and created some incredible memories. I do not think one needs to understand a particular lyrical viewpoint or story to appreciate black artists, in terms of their story and perspective. Take a lot of the best music now from black artists and we can all see where they are coming from. Their music is political and personal; it is pertinent and timely and, not to write off other artists, I think the greatest shivers and movement from music right now is from black artists.
IN THIS PHOTO: Stevie Wonder/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images
I have been intoxicated by the music of Vagabon and Anderson .Paak's Ventura. This year has been incredibly varied and there are artists performing today who will be legends in the future. As there are corners of the music industry where black artists are either pushed aside or not represented fairly, I think Black History Month is actually an important way of promoting the wealth of black talent right now; looking back at the icons and influencers who have inspired the generations. Artists such as Stevie Wonder and Bob Marley have shaped music and I do wonder, given the sheer wonder (no pun intended) of the music coming from black artists right now, whether the industry is doing quite enough. It is a complex subject, but I do feel there needs to be positive progression in so many areas. Rather than talk of the negatives, I think October should be about the positives of music made by black artists. I know there are artists I have missed out of the playlist and, whilst unavoidable, it just shows what a wealth of talent there is out there; from the legends and massive superstars to those breaking through. Some of the biggest and most memorable festival moments were made by black artists – who can forget Stormzy’s headline slot at Glastonbury or Lizzo and Janet Jackson in their Glastonbury’s sets?! I shall end things there, but I was eager to put a playlist together and get everyone, I guess, to look around and realise the incredible black artists who are creating big waves. We can all see the raw talent out there and I hope, when it comes to equality and due attention, let’s hope there is change…
IN THIS PHOTO: Lizzo/PHOTO CREDIT: Amy Lombard/The New York Times/Redux
ONE day soon.