“I think it’s dope that Rock originated from Black people too. So, being able to just do that — voice what I can do in the Rock realm — is just impressive to me. It gives me a little pat on the back. It just feels good to know that I got that in me still. It comes from our root.”
Trippie Redd from Spotify Original Podcast, Rock This with Allison Hagendork, at 44:02 - 44:37 of Episode 13 (feat. Travis Barker & Trippie Redd)
Essentially, all music is Black music.
The origins that we hold in historical formation of civilisation as a whole cannot be denied and music is one of the most powerful aspects of humanity that we’ve pioneered, as a culture.
There are University classes on this. Yes, even in PWIs.
But the thing is not many people will just generally know this. And there are many reasons why that is, with the root being boiled down to systematic oppression, racism, prejudice, and just seriously strategic and persistent hatred which dates back centuries and centuries.
This isn’t meant to be a social justice lesson, but damn, Black music in the industry, or Black culture overall, has often been discredited and belittled.
It’s been happening, and it’s still happening, but forward progression is simultaneously taking place. Thanks to streaming services like Spotify, and independent digital music distribution companies, Black artists have the opportunity to be successful independent artists and entrepreneurs. Having full creative control and owning their publishing, Black music artists are forging their own platforms of a worldwide following in order to fully speak their truths, fully share their talents, and fully get paid for it all.
This cultural shift is creating more impetus and awareness for Black artists signed to major record labels as well.
And in that way, Black music is a recollection and reclamation of our excellence in all of its opulence.
“I write all my own sh—. You know I’m all about my publishing.”
Jhené Aiko on “Surrender” from her Chilombo album
OUR STORIES ARE BEING TOLD
“How does one exist as a Black pop musician when pop music has been defined to exclude parts of you?”
Unpaid Royalties is a series about how the music industry exploits the Black musicians who built it.
“In the process of evolution we must take the old and build on it to fit the new circumstances and environment. Any old structure needs to be examined and analyzed before it is added to. There may be reinforcements that are necessary before any additions can be made. If the structure is too faulty, then it may have to have parts removed or be completely torn down and rebuilt.
Many have realized or are realizing that there are cultures that are hundreds of years old which can provide guidelines to teaching a number of things including self-sufficiency and respect. Community respect is often the driving force behind those that realize the value of their native languages and traditional practices and they are proud to present them in any setting. These individuals have learned the value of language not as a commodity, but as a mode of survival — survival of culture, traditions, heritage, ancestral ties, education, and community. Thus, they are willing to work to preserve and build up the community.
As mi people dem say, ‘empty sak cyan stan upright ‘lone.’”
Marquetta L. Goodwine, also known as Queen Quet, from The Legacy of Ibo Landing: Gullah Roots of African American Culture
C O O P E R A T I V E
RE C O R D LABEL
UBUNTU
I AM BECAUSE YOU ARE
The label name OFO.WAV was inspired by the West African (Yoruba) spiritual and artistic belief
in the power of your verbiage - O̩fò̩. OFO is literally speaking into existence that which you say
through incantations, poetry, and everyday language, because your words are that powerful. The power or essence of God is encapsulated within the pronunciation of a name or word. WAV represents the scientifically proven and digitally manipulated aspect of what happens
in creation and implementation of your OFO. Sound waves of vibratory frequencies recreate energy and the material manifestations of it, down to the molecular level - with every word you speak, in every tone or rhythm.
“Black music, forged in captivity, became the sound of complete artistic freedom. It also became the sound of America.”
1619, a New York Times audio series hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones — Episode 3: The Birth of American Music
