It was a sad coincidence to lose Michael Jackson as we approach the end of Black music month. He was an icon who left us much too soon. His music was legendary and his dance moves revolutionary. He joined the likes of Bob Marley in taking black music to another level, bringing it to a worldwide audience. Many artists have followed in his footsteps but no one will probably ever achieve the amount of fame and success that he did.
Today, because of the exploits of entertainers like Michael Jackson, black music arguably dominates globally in terms of popularity. From African music to those of the Diaspora, our rhythms and dance continue to influence the world.
This is especially true of Afro-American music. The Jazz, Blues, Rock and roll, and Funk of the past have had their impact. And the Hip-hop, Rap, R & B of the present greatly influence the culture around the globe, especially among the youth. This is confirmed as we see artists from other countries making the same kinds of music. Hip-hop (+ R&B, Rap) comes in different languages nowadays.
However, it is not only the Afro-Americans who have had success in bringing black music to the world. Other types of black music have had great popularity as well. Jamaican Reggae for example has probably achieved as much success and influence worldwide. The aforementioned Bob Marley was instrumental in that, and today other similar forms of music from that island nation such as Ragga and Dancehall are trying to achieve the same feat.
Afro-Latin music is also gaining ground. The most popular Latin beats of today are black in origin such as Salsa (Afro-Cuban origin), Reggaeton (Afro-Panamanian origin), Samba (Afro-Brazilian origin), etc. And their success is not only limited to that particular region either. They are spreading their branches elsewhere as well.
We also cannot forget the music from the motherland. Africa has had a heavy influence on a lot of music styles of the Diaspora. But its own genres are rich too. Today, several types of African beats such as Congolese Soukous and Ivoirian Zouglou have found their way into the international scene. Artists such as Awilo Longomba and Koffi Olomide (Soukous), and Magic System (Zouglou) have been influential in that endeavor.
All these different types of black music are special and unique in their own way. And it’s rare to see an artist incorporate these many different beats in their songs. Michael is one who did and this sets him apart. One could say that he sometimes kind of took a Pan-African approach to his creations. He must have been proud not only to see their increasing popularity, but their evolution as well.
There are many more types of black music from different corners of the world that haven’t reached the limelight yet. Money is important to get them out there, but if, like Michael Jackson, the artists are determined and believe in their talents, they can be successful in their own way as well. If he (Michael Jackson) can have that kind of influence, I suppose that will be part of his legacy. Either way, he will always be remembered.
Comments