Speaking
ahead of the Songs for Social Justice Festival on Thursday, SweetS (Northern Xposure ) said, “Music has always been at
the heart of many civil rights movements and revolutions, and
it also acts as a vehicle for different cultures and faiths to have some
common ground. It is something that reaches so far into our very being and
existence that it resonates with each and every one of us on a profound level,
indeed even before we can say our A, B, C, D we find it is easier to
communicate with a harmony or a bit of melody. Therefore it
is NRNXPO's mission to promote music for social justice in all form's and
across all genre's.”
Rap and Hip Hop started out in
the 1970’s as a way of communicating a social and political message while
having a good time.
Gil Scott-Heron is often
credited with being the Godfather of Rap, he was rapping to music by 1970, some
time before Kool Herc and Afrika Bambaataa created Hip Hop as a means of bringing
communities together, offering young people a route out of gangs and encouraging
social harmony.
Gil Scott-Herons’ lyrics
focussed on the social and political issues of the time. His music still
resonates today and he can still find a new fan-base amongst young people. His
2010 album I’m New Here, was remixed by Jamie Smith of The XX and released in
2011 as We’re New Here.
It is difficult to choose
just the one track from Scott-Heron’s extensive, educational and inspiring
output, obvious choices would be The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, The
Bottle or Johannesburg. However, today’s choice comes from his 1994 album
Spirits. A Message to the Messengers calls on rappers, musicians and young
people to remember their history and heritage and use this knowledge and
understanding to promote positive social change.
Gil Scott-Heron - A Message
to the Messengers
Songs for Social Justice Dance Night featuring guest DJ Jerry Dammers -
o Thursday 26th January
o STUC Centre, 333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow
o 6.45pm – midnight
o Tickets £8/£4 - Available direct from the STUC - 0141 337 8100
No comments:
Post a Comment