Popular Music

CHRISTY ANN BALITA
POPULAR MUSIC AS A FORM OF RESISTANCE
“A song is something that we communicate to those people who otherwise would not understand where we are
coming from. You could give them a long political speech – they would still not understand. But I tell you: when you
finish that song, people will be like ‘Damn, I know where you nigga’s are comin’ from. Death unto Apartheid!” –
Sifiso Ntuli
Given that music is something that we can’t live without, using this form of art, like poetry, as a means of conveying
our opposition from the norms of the society and a form of rebellion from the political system and the strong forces
working around us, is a very effective method. Through the lyrics of the songs and the way in which some of it is
ironically interpreted in their music video in order not to directly attack their subject increases the audiences’ interest
in the opinion or views carried by the song and the artist behind it. As compared to the other forms of activism
including rallying and boycotting, using music to express one’s ideology is more likely to gain sympathy and
alliance from its audiences and less physical assault to start with.
Since the introduction of popular music, the development of new styles such as heavy metal, punk, soul, and hip hop
between the years 1960 and 1970, initiated a shift in the themes of the songs released- from personal experiences to
social criticisms. An example of this is the Beach Boys (1961). Their songwriter, Brian Wilson, experimented with
new studio techniques as he has been inclined with a burgeoning counterculture as a form of youth movement. It
includes political activism, especially in opposition to the Vietnam War. Following their lead is Bob Dylan who has
tackled issues such as his allegiance to the Civil Rights Movement. The emergence of these new styles boosted
awareness on the socio-political and economic issues confronting the society and somehow initiated actions to be
taken to abate them.
Still affected by racial discrimination, especially on the relationship between the Black and the White Americans,
one particular artist emerged to aggressively attack the political system and to mock their oppressor. Tupac Amaru
Shakur, popularly known as Tupac, is popular cultural figure who expresses his disagreement and rage about the
persistence of the caste system and racial clash among Americans in some of his songs. His songs embody the
“oppositional culture” or the “culture of resistance” which typifies the African American culture. This culture
“constitutes a bold and calculated rejection of destructive mainstream values that have perpetuated social
inequalities and power imbalances” (Gardner, 2004:141). His songs were generally a narration of his negritude and
his discomfort in the discrimination they experience in their society. His can be seen in his song “Still Ballin’”
(2002), where he exclaimed, “Now ever since a nigga was a seed/ Only thing promised to me was penitentiary”.
Also in another song “God Bless the Dead” (1998), he speaks about the unjust, racially-motivated and vindictive
aspects of the criminal justice system. It was those period when several black people were convicted of a crime they
were innocent of or were forcibly arrested and were put to jail. This situation may still apply today as the people’s
perception on the black people seems irrevocable hence discrimination against their race persists. His compositions
were so controversial that the Harvard University conducted a symposium to celebrate his music. This has earned
him popularity that hundreds of his fans lamented on his death on Sept. 13, 1996.
His death did not kill the people’s awareness and interest in these issues. In fact, another artist who has been
controversial because of belligerently attacking the Bush administration and has earned him a threat of censoring or
banning his music emerged. Marshall Bruce Mathers III or Eminem blatantly ridiculed former Pres. George Bush
for sending American Troops to Iraq. This is particularly contained in his song “Mosh Song” (“Let him go, fight his
own war…/ No more blood for oil, we got our own battles to fight o our own soil”.) His unique rapping style has
helped him to quickly gain popularity in 1999 with his major-level debut album, The Slim Shady LD, which won a
Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.
In the Philippine music scene, artists such as Gloc 9, Francis Magalona, Bamboo, and Rico Blanco, also wrote
patriotic songs especially during the Martial law era. “Tatsulok” which was originally composed by Buklod and was
revived by Bamboo, talks about economic divergence and protests on the advantages and benefits that the middle
class receives over the common people. Other songs such as Rico Blanco’s Pride and Flame express his agitation
and sentiment on the status of the country during the Marcos administration. Recently, Gloc 9’s “Upuan” which
deals with corruption in the government earned public attention. In the song, he wonders if these corrupt officials are
aware of the consequences of corruption in the Filipino society. In the end he said, “Bato bato sa langit/ Ang tamaan
‘wag magalit/ Ang tamaan ‘wag masyadong halata”, which may mean to say that the culprits know they are and that
there is no need to name them. What is needed is an awakening from a materialistic and greedy trance.
Because of the effectiveness of music in expressing any form of resistance, it will not be a surprise to hear a number
of songs will be composed talking about issues including inequality, discrimination, injustices, corruption,
oppression and exploitation.

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CHRISTY ANN BALITA

POPULAR MUSIC AS A FORM OF RESISTANCE

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