The 7 principles of Kwanzaa are ones who should be magnified, normalized, and kept year round. For me, nothing does that better that the powerful spiritual medium of music. So, In light of the Kwanzaa principle of collective work and responsibility, here are 7 songs that resonate with Ujimma that we hear often. This countdown is in no particular order, because I love them all!
#1: Seal: Fly Like an Eagle
From the 1997 Space Jam Soundtrack, Seal brings a passionate, retro rendition of this classic song. It stimulates desire to serve humanity in a magical way that… we all possess.
#2: Patti Labelle – Oh People!
This has always been one of my favorite tunes about serving humanity. It questions our compassion in a nurturing, motherly way. It reminds us that we are one, as much as individuals, and should be able to not only live in harmony, but take care of one another.
#3: Stylistics- People Make the World Go ‘Round
This song sings of the Universal Law of oneness…that all is connected. We, as everyday people may think that our everyday actions don’t affect the collective…but they do…did you hear the rendition by Michael Jackson?
#4: Naughty by Nature- Live Than Lay
While not a popular single by the rap legend trio, this one of their most powerful songs in my opinion. It unapologetically puts in our faces the challenges that face us as a people, and how we can wise up…as a whole.
#5: Phil Collins: Another Day in Paradise
This chilling tune brings our attention to the less fortunate among us, and how we should be more attentive in doing our part. Phil Collins warns us to be thankful for what we have, as the life we may complain about…is considered paradise to someone else.
#6: Kirk Franklin & The Family: Lean on Me
This song is collective work in action! It features the vocals of R.Kelly, Crystal Lewis, Bono, Mary J. Blige, and Tamela Mann. The lyrics tell various tales of everyday people who are plagued with challenges of society. Sometimes a shoulder to lean on is very powerful in collective work and responsibility.
#7: Sly & The Family Stone- Let’s Clean Up the Ghetto
This funky groove is pretty self-explanatory when it comes to the Kwanzaa principle of collective work & responsibility. When we collectively clean where we live….it raises the vibration. At that point…would there be a ghetto?
To be and stay of mindful of our individual collective work and responsibilities, we have to stay abreast on what’s going on around us. From there, we can assess, and use what we have to bring the challenges around us to positive balance. These are but a few songs you can vibe to to keep this principle in your rotations year ’round! I’ve also written a book, Kwanzaa in Orbit, Kwanzaa Beamed Up to deeper explore more spiritual ways to observe and keep the Nguzo Saba. As always, my radio station, 222.9 The Mothership Internet Radio, is dedicated to keeping soul-feeding music like this infused with spiritual teachings in 24/7 rotation…just for you! Join me on my Fridaily blog, Honey, Love, & Warpaint for the Ujamma Playlist! Beam Up!
