Uncover the Hidden Treasures of African Music
Music as a Dangerous Medium
We often underestimate the power of music. As David Byrne once said, "Music is dangerous—Plato was right, the religious fundamentalists are right—music touches and rouses the emotions like nothing else." It holds in all the things we're sometimes too afraid to say out loud. It brings back sweet memories of days past and the exciting thrills of days to come. For #ReadingAfrica Week, we spoke with writers about what they hoped readers would take away from their work, and each of them left us with something beautiful.Christian Adofo, the author of A Quick Ting on: Afrobeats (Jacaranda Books), wanted people to learn and share. Lior Phillips, author of South African Popular Music (Bloomsbury), agreed, adding that learning and exploring means that you won't miss out on "artists that will change your life." Liam Brickhill, a freelance journalist and multi-disciplinary creative, simply said that his work "is motivated by love." Each of these writers brings a different experience and lens to their work, but each of them is well aware of the power of music—of all art—to create something special in the world and to be a little bit dangerous.
The Movement of African Music
African music, like African literature, isn't one thing or one sound, but it is a movement. It is years and cultures and histories and sounds all coming from a continent that you flatten at your own risk (and loss). It holds a special place in our hearts and souls, and when done really well, it can be that thing that keeps us going, the thing that reminds us that hope isn't always some abstract thing—people are hope.The playlist contributed by each of the panelists is a mix of classics, new artists, inspirations, and surprises. These are an invitation to explore, to keep digging, to keep listening. Music, when it's done really well, can be that thing that keeps you going, the thing that reminds you that hope isn't always some abstract thing—people are hope. And if enough of us realize that we are what we've been waiting for, yeah, well, that is dangerous as hell.
The Writers Behind African Music
We asked each of the writers about the writers that have inspired them. Christian Adofo named Sam Selvon, Una Marson, Simon Reynolds, Emma Warren, and Olateju Adeleye. Liam Brickhill mentioned Fred Zindi, Gwen Ansell, and Dan Ozzi. Lior Phillips was inspired by Hanif Abdurraqib, Terry Gross, Laura Snapes, Craig Jenkins, Ann Powers, Brandon Stosuy, Amanda Petrusich, and Danyel Smith. These writers have all played a role in shaping the way we think about music and its place in our lives.Breaking Down Misconceptions
One of the reasons we started #ReadingAfrica Week was to dispel the myth that African writing is one thing, and the same can be said about African music. There's not just one genre, but many, many genres that are all influenced by music from the continent. Christian Adofo believes that showing the music as not a monolith and the very rich cultures that are centuries old gives it value overtime. Lior Phillips is passionate about developing a more thoughtful balance when it comes to covering African music, as ignoring its African-ness is a willful ignorance.African music is a rich and diverse tapestry that deserves to be explored and understood. It is a movement that has the power to connect people across continents and cultures.
The Political Element in Music Writing
Lior and Liam both cite the Sharpeville Massacre as a turning point in South Africa's trajectory—politically, spiritually, artistically, emotionally. In their work, they infuse the political into their writing, showing how music fits on a historical timeline. Christian Adofo feels that there is an ongoing cultural commentary which a whole nation and diaspora community can resonate with through song that speaks more loudly than a politician who may purport to tell the truth.Good writing is truth-seeking, and when it comes to music writing, it's important to balance the historical timeline with being an entertaining writer. Interviewing as many people in person to feel their passion for an era can help transport the reader and bring the dancefloor energy to life.
Using Words to Describe Music
Christian Adofo believes in unlocking all the senses when it comes to music writing. When you are fully immersed in the music, there is a freeing weightlessness that the body allows itself to be in sync with. Liam Brickhill agrees, stating that good writing engages all the senses and creates a joyful synaesthetic polysemy.When we are moved by reading something, it's like being invited into another person's headspace, someone else's soul. We try to do the same thing with our writing.
The Writing Process
Before writing, Christian Adofo watches and reads as much as he can to immerse himself and find new ideas. Liam Brickhill does background research and listens to music when he writes. Lior Phillips adopts a method similar to a writers' room for a TV show, using notecards to structure his work.Each writer has their own unique approach to music writing, but they all share a passion for the art and a desire to share it with others.
The Importance of Joy in Music Writing
Christian Adofo emphasizes the importance of reclaiming the narrative through dance. Dance is the literal and physical embodiment of storytelling, and it helps bridge the gap between fans and artists. Liam Brickhill quotes an Afghan saying that reminds us to celebrate every little win and joy in life. Lior Phillips believes that joy is crucial in examining the history of music and that it should be felt by everyone who reads his work.Joy is an important part of our history and should not be ignored. It is what makes music and life worth living.
Starting with African Music
For someone who wants to get started with African music, Christian Adofo suggests starting with the instruments including the seperewa to the kora to the mbira. Liam Brickhill simply says to start anywhere and keep going. Lior Phillips agrees, stating that there is no correct rubric for music discovery and that it should be a zig-zaggy and deliciously chaotic journey.African music is a vast and diverse world waiting to be explored. Start your journey today and discover the hidden treasures within.
What the Writers are Reading and Listening to
Christian Adofo recently finished Raving by Mackenzie Wark and is listening to Pa Salieu's new mixtape. Liam Brickhill finished Paul Lynch's Red Sky in Morning and is listening to Simon Michalek and his cousin Dumiso Brickhill's album. Lior Phillips is reading Marlon James' Moon Witch Spider King and is working on a 33 ⅓ about Cher's Believe.These writers are constantly exploring new worlds and sharing their experiences with us. Join them on their journey and discover the beauty of African music.