The People’s War Radio Show, Episode #63: To Protect, Preserve, And Perpetuate: Black Music and Black Power

June is Black Music Month.  Black Music Month emerged as a form of resistance to colonial domination of African people, African culture, and the African narrative.  It was created in the late 1970s by the famous music producer from Philadelphia, Kenny Gamble and the Black Music Association. The original theme of Black Music Month was to “preserve, protect and perpetuate black music.”  However, the narrative of Black Music Month has been depoliticized. 

Popular news sources have credited President Jimmy Carter with creating the observance.  As well, President Barack Obama rebranded the month, African American Music Appreciation month and noted that amongst other things Black music, allowed Black people in the US to "defend our country's enduring promise of freedom and opportunity for all."

Our guests on this episode, DJ Eddie Maultsby and Norman Jalali Richmond, give a different narrative.  They uphold the African music tradition as internationalist, anti-colonial, and a source of Black Power.

Some topics discussed are:

• Black musicians during the Civil Rights and Black Power Movement
• Fela Kuti, Peter Tosh, Aretha Franklin, Max Roach, Abbey Lincoln, Eddie Maultsby and the Florida Spiritualaires, Sam Cooke and other musicians
• The origins of Gospel Music as a form of resistance to colonial slavery
• The guests also connect the significance of music to their own personal stories.

This episode includes some great samples of music such as:

• Bob Marley and the Wailers "Burnin' and Lootin'"
• Max Roach feat. Abbey Lincoln "Freedom Day"
• Sam Cooke "A Change is Gonna Come"
• Fannie Lou Hamer "Walk with Me" and "Amazing Grace"
• Eddie Maultsby and the Florida Spiritualaires  "Ain't No Love Like Jesus"

DJ Eddie is known as Florida’s Blind Boy and the World’s Best Blind DJ, DJ Eddie is the Assistant Station Manager at Black Power 96.  He is born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida and spent over 35 years playing music for the community in downtown St. Pete.  As soon as he heard about Black Power 96 and its mission, he united with Black Power 96.  He has been with the station ever since. DJ Eddie’s musical specialty is gospel music.

Norman Jalali Richmond, was born in Louisiana and raised in Los Angeles, California.  He moved to Canada in the late-1960s where he became an early leader in the African Liberation Movement in Canada.  Jalali has dedicated his life to revolutionary cultural work. He has worked with a host of musicians such as Bob Marley, Abbey Lincoln, Hugh Masekela, and Fela Kuti.  Jalali is the host and producer of the “Diasporic Music” show on Black Power 96 FM radio in St. Petersburg, Florida. 

“Diasporic Music” provides an all-African mix of music and politics that is quote “made in the West but is not of the West” unquote.  “Diasporic Music” Airs: Every Sunday, 2pm to 4pm Eastern Time

The People's War radio show is produced by WBPU 96.3 FM "Black Power 96" in St. Petersburg, Florida. It is hosted by Dr. Matsemela Odom and Muambi Tangu, bringing an African Internationalist perspective to the important issues of our world.

 

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