Hello World,
My name is Kensedeobong! And I am a music enthusiast and music history researcher! Music is one of the few of my favourite things. It uplifts my spirit and inspires me!
All it takes is the message resonance, aesthetic appeal- a catchy base chord, contagious instrumentation, meaningful lyricism, exquisite arrangement, immaculate vocals and delivery, captivating hook - and I am hooked!
The language of presentation is irrelevant,neither the singer’s racial configuration nor religious/sexual identification. Of essence is the value inputed to human existence. If you find resonance in the foregoing, freely explore this platform as I reflect upon the beauty of music.
Music's propensity to shape and transform consciousness while engendering the experience of other dimensions like joy, peace and bliss is undeniable. As such, Music Memories reflects upon the saliency of music in society and the music of the past. This is informed by the continuous observation of social commentaries which bemoan the devolution of music in contemporary times. Interestingly, popular music artists have in the past offered what could be called an intertextual commentary about music's degeneration. Lauryn Hill in "Superstar" sang: "Come on baby light my fire/Everything you drop is so tired/Music is supposed to inspire/
How come we ain't getting no higher?". Similarly, Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliot in the introduction to her album- So Addictive- also notes "I know some of y'all sick of songs y'all be hearing on the radio". The foregoing indicates that the plummeting of music's value in society was not lost on the artistes.
Today, one notes the desire by music lovers for enriching and cathartic music. As a solution, one proposes a retrospective consideration of the music that conveyed and transmitted joy and happiness in the years gone by.
Consequently, my target audience comprises the “old and young”. I do hope that the former can hereby reminisce , while the latter gain some insight on “old school” music.
Now, there are multiple forms of music, as you well know! I grew up on Rhythm & Blues/Soul music, which happens to be my key area of interest. That, dear reader, is the beauty of globalization, in that, a young girl born and raised in the city of Calabar, Nigeria, could absorb and enjoy a music form originating from a distant land. However, with growth came a penchant for musical adventurism which culminated in an eclectic music palette. Basically, I listen to all kinds of music under the sun- from the indigenous xylophonic rhythms of the Ekemini Troupe and the melodies of Uko Akpan ( both musical signifiers of my Ibibio heritage), to the vibrantly electrifying salsa beats of Celia Cruz, to the mesmerizing pop tones of Germany's Frida Gold, to the rugged vocals of rock star, Bruce Springsten, to the uplifting harmony of Sweden's ABBA. There is no ( musical) discrimination , stratification or boundaries in my world.
This Blog explores music's interconnectedness in our daily lives, as such positions music as a navigation tool for understanding society. It converges childhood memories, anecdotes, gists and results of personally conducted research on music, music artistry, music genres like reggae, gospel, rock, disco, house music, etc. It celebrates the overrated and underrated artiste and applauds the beauty inherent in the diversity of humanity through music. It also curates playlists of music you ought to know or accord your attention.
Music is an anti-depressant. It heals the soul and strengthens the spirit. Where modern medicine has failed, I recommend some "doses" of great music. It never fails!
Alright, then! If you have found my “short essay” compelling enough, I say WELCOME ABOARD! Let’s get it on!