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 purpose, here are 7 songs that resonate with Nia that we hear often. This countdown is in no particular order, because I love them all!
#1: Nas- One Mic
This song, in my opinion, speaks greatly to purpose because its lyrics speak to the bare minimum that is needed to make a maximum impact. As all David needed was a stone, all Nas needed was a mic….one microphone to fulfill his divine purpose. When you have a God- fueled passion for your purpose, you don’t need much at all. Very inspirational!
#2: Bob Marley – Exodus
This song speaks of the movement of God’s people, externally as well as within. He challenges you to look at your life and honestly answer questions of your sense of fulfillment. Fulfillment only comes when there is divine purpose behind what you do with yourself. Exodus, of course also correlates to the movement of God’s people out of worlds drenched in imbalance. Are you moving with Jah people?
#3: Earth, Wind, and Fire- Fantasy
This is another song that speaks of connection with higher vibrational beings, united in divine purpose. It starts with finding the God, the divine self within, and spiritually ascending to meet those who have been in search of you…as the elements of song specifically sing in their lyric. Great song to stimulate a sense of purpose.
#4: Desire – You Gotta Be
This song is actually in between the Kwanzaa principle of Kijichagulia (Self Deternination) and Purpose. It a sweetly motivational song that gives simple pointers of living in purpose.
#5: Michael Jackson – History
This song…is genius! But it’s from the KING of Pop…what did we expect? It is filled with iconic dates in world history, while pointing out many of the world’s issues that need tackling. In the hook, you are reminded that every choice creates your personal history and legacy. If that doesn’t speak to purpose, what does?
#6: Steivie Wonder – Higher Ground
This song is very inspirational in terms of living in purpose. It speaks of evreryday people doing what they do, and being who they are, be it balanced or imbalanced. In spite of, all who stive to live in purpose move to a higher ground. What we must keep in mind is that the higher ground is not always a physical place.
#7. Chrisette Michelle – Purpose
Well, the name says it all! This is more of a poem by Chrisette Michelle. It speaks to the complex simplicity of living in purpose, and basking in the deeper meanings of being alive.
To stay intentional and active in our higher purposes of living it is best to keep such thingson the forefronts of our minds. In dong this, we raise the vibration collectively. 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 Sundaily blog, The Alabaster Divine for the Kuumba Playlist! Beam Up!
Ase in Love,
iiiYansaje T. Muse
The Blaq Madonna of the Airwaves
