“The secret that Europeans discovered early in their history is that culture carries rules for thinking, and if you could impose your culture on your victims, you limit their creativity and vision, destroying their ability to act with will and intent in their own best interest.” Marimba Ani
Brother Haki Madhubti wrote in his book ‘From Plan to Planet’ that one of the major shortcomings of most Black musicians is their inability to deal with the real world. Their inability or non-willingness to negotiate with the actual world on terms that are beneficial to them as Black women and men and as musicians as a whole. He goes on to inform us that there seems to be too much individual push and drive when trying to get their thing over musically and creatively–but little effort if any is expended collectively, organizing around their common problems as Black people who happen to be musicians.
Pre-Colonial Periods
Today Black singers, rappers, and musicians must realize that traditionally, they were our first historians. For thousands of years, they were our professional storytellers. These proud historians and traveling musicians taught and enlightened Black Nations throughout the globe. They proudly and seriously recounted the deeds of leaders, important events, laws of the land, stories of joy, harvest, major hunting periods, victories of war, and even forms of prayer. Many of our talented Black rappers and singers are not aware that oral historians were the storehouse of wisdom within all African societies. These African Griots were honored and respected members of African villages, cities, and civilizations. These teachers were the core of our African educational systems. The deliberate absence of written history during certain periods made the task of the Griot absolute and exact. Our Griots would often use proverbs, philosophies, experiences, and ideologies of ancient and modern African leaders to carry on traditions and value systems. Our African Griots would pass on the detailed stories of the events and leaders that united Black Kingdoms and ancient African empires.
**********
Thank you for reading Khabyr Hadas’ article on scoopnewsusa.com. For more on “Lyrics Of African Liberation”, please subscribe to SCOOP USA Media. Print subscriptions are $75 and online subscriptions (Print, Digital, and VIZION) are $90. (52 weeks / 1 year).
