Música

Music, Música, Musik.

Music a language of the gods.

One form of communication that is limitless. Music supersedes race, color, language barrier, and age. It's art that stands the test of time.

The talent, the energy, the creativity, the rhymes, and the production. By the way, music producers are most of the time not given the credit they so deserve. Behind every dope jam, there is a dope crew of producers and directors. Also behind every great artist, there is a crew of background singers and instrumentalists who are mostly consumed in the shadow of the lead singer.

Music is Timeless. Today in 2022, we still listen to great hits by the likes of Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, and 2pac just to name a few.

You all will read this article once and be done with it, but the music you'll listen to it on repeat for decades. Take, for instance, (Sexual Healing - Marvin Gaye) released in 1982 and today, four decades later you'll still enjoy the jam on a romantic candlelit dinner, over some wine, and chocolate dessert with your special someone. Talk about love. (1989, Soul provider - Michael Bolton)

Take a sec, and listen to the jam. Listen to the saxophone. Let me know what you think in the comments.

Music is a Story. Let's use (2014, Don Williams - Sing me back home), the story of a convict heading for his execution. He requested a song to take him back to his childhood before he's put to his misery. Another one we can look at, (1986, La Isla Bonita - Madonna). Story of a girl, on a beautiful island. The warm tropical climate. You just want to be on holiday in the Maldives, Zanzibar, or Belize. That is where I long to be. Samba festivals, Drums, Maracas, Mariachi bands, Pineapples cocktails, Coconut water, and a Spanish lullaby. Gad damn!!

Music is an inspiring beautiful escape. During the apartheid regime in South Africa, the natives would compose music as they toiled in the cotton fields, and quarries. For long hours, in the scorching heat. Ladysmith Black Mambazo was formed. If you watch their video, even their dancing still resembles workers on a field with picks. From destitution to one of the most amazing bands the world will ever see. Music in its purest. You don't need to understand the clicking sounds for you to get the message of the pain, suffering, hope, and kindred spirit in their hearts.

I was watching Americas Got Talent (AGT) sometime back, and I was touched by the story behind one kid Tyler Butler-Figueroa. Diagnosed with Leukemia,
being bullied at school, and Stigma from his peers. Tyler started violin lessons and boy is he good! He played (2012, Stronger - Kelly Clarkson). His audition is the most inspiring child audition ever of AGT 2019. He'll make you cry.

Music can be Lustful. Have you listened to (Bounce - Ruger)? The song is purely "bad manners", but he has a way that will not offend you especially if you're listening to the jam with some headphones alone. The list in this category is long I bet you also know a few. (Khaligraph Jones - Mbona?) Our Tanzanian brothers and sisters especially have perfected this part of the art.

You'll have to be keen to get the message. You'd be innocently listening to (Mbosso - Hodari) until he gets to the part;

"Kwa michezo ya chumbani, Hodaaaari, Mtundu kitandani, Hodaaaari"

and you look at the person next to you and you'll confirm that you both heard the same thing.

Sometimes Music is Morbid. Depending on the musician's mood or experience (2003, Whiskey Lullaby - Brad Paisley). Sometimes the loss of a loved one, a breakup, or sometimes just toxic artists. For instance Eminem, the guy is talented no questioning that but his music, will leave you with some "bitterness" inside. (Cleanin' out my closet - Eminem).

Music gives us a sense of Identity. Hence, National anthems. We sing our national anthems for those who remember it, especially my country people and you're proud and have a sense of belonging, we are proud to belong.

Music is adventurous. For all you road trip junkies, you all must have a road trip playlist. A song for the mountains, the rivers, and the country roads. (1971, Take me home - John Denver). The festive season is here, endless travels to the shags, and holidays. Eeei!?

Have you tried listening to (2017, Major Lazer & DJ Maphorisa - Particula) while driving to a destination you want to be? It hits differently. (Bypass - Sauti sol, Benzema x Savara)

Music is Celebration. Birthdays, Weddings, Christmas, you all can't celebrate without music. (Good vibes & Inshallah - Bien ft Iyanii, Police na Guitar - Okello Max, It's my birthday - Anne Marrie)

Above all else, music is En-ter-tainment.

Bloody Samaritan - Ayra Star

Dimension - Fully focus x Bien

Saturday Nights - Khalid

Sugarcane - Camidoh

Risky - Davido x Popcaan

Slow Dancing - Azawi

Colouring This Life - Vybz Kartel

I highly recommend you download Spotify. And no, I'm not advertising them, they are my go-to app for some quality audio and invest in some quality headsets or an AUX cable. Thank me later.

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As you travel for the festive, celebrate with friends and family, be safe out there. Don't drink and Drive. Have yourselves a Merry Christmas. Thank you for being here and coming back all through 2022. I am out, see you in 23. Adiós!