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 Self Determination and Self Definition, here are 7 songs that resonate with Kujichagulia that we hear often. This countdown is in no particular order, because I love them all!
#1: The Rotary Connection: I Am The Black Gold of the Sun
This song lifts the spirit on contact sound. It has no verses because the melody is so addicting! It’s mantra is the songs title, and it takes you to a place that reminds you that you are a spirit having a human experience! It makes you PROUD of your melanin, and is a really groovy, uplifting vibe!
#2: The Staple Singers- Be What You are
This is a groovy song about self- acceptance, and working with that. That is what the greatest of us have always done. It is encouraging to take the uniqueness of being yourself and maximizing that. It is what the Kwanzaa principle of Kujichagulia is all about in the areas of both self definition AND self determination!
#3: Sounds of Blackness: Black Butterfly
This is a song from my personal soundtrack of spiritual upliftment. It speaks to awakening to the inner self, the god or goddess within. It is a gentle tune that lifts the spirit, and helps to remember who you have always been, and that your place is among the stars.
#4: The Character: Morris Day & The Time
I love the sleaze of accepting ALL parts of yourself, the good the bad and the ugly. The teasing of this song speaks to addressing speculations with humor…yet mystery. This is best when faced with people who speculate things that have little to do with true self definition, not to mention it is a funky, fun song!
#5: Cameo – Skin I’m In
This song speaks to holding to traditional identity, and expressing frustrations of institutionalized racism. The lyrics read in a questioning, but menacing tone drenched in the dark realities of being black…while flirting with the borderlines of pessimism. The music? A gumbo of African chants, screeching guitars, and serious funk. Great tune!
#6: Stevie Wonder: Misrepresented People
From the motion picture soundtrack “Bamboozled,” Stevie Wonder really goes in on our history as a people, and why it is important to cease to be misrepresented. Like that.
#7: Janelle Monae-Queen
I simply love the way this song shatters the expectations of society to embrace true essence of self, with all the quirks! Much like Cameo’s “Skin I’m In, the lyrics carry a questioning tone…just not as menacing. Instead, its carefree self accepting and funky groove leaves naysayers to bite the dust. Love it!
To be and stay determined to define self FOR self, one must experience full acceptance by defacating all that doesn’t fit. 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 Thorsdaily blog, The Scarlet Serene for the Ujimma Playlist! Beam Up!
Ase in Love.
iiiYansaje T. Muse
The Blaq Madonna of the Airwaves
