Originally Posted on TheArtOfADE.WordPress.com
“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both ” -Robert Frost
Nature is a balancing act of contrasts. Whether it is sunlight coming after the darkness of night or the fact that males are attracted to females and vice versa, contrast is a constant and inherent trait of nature. Given the inevitable presence of contrast In nature, it’s presence is reflected almost effortlessly in the day to day affairs of man. It can be found in speech, in behavior and in art. Especially In art. Artists over the ages have always had and still have a distinct appreciation and understanding of the beauty of contrast. Whether in paintings, poetry or music, artists have drawn and continue to draw Inspiration from this natural element. This artistic process occurs whether consciously or unconsciously.The latter, however, seems to be more common especially in today’s mainstream music Industry. Contrasting themes in popular music Is nothing new, but recently it has become increasingly and notably more visible.
Pop artists like Beyoncé, Eminem, Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry have introduced their fan bases to various alter egos over the years; Sasha Fierce, Slim Shady, Roman and Kathy Beth Terry respectively. Some even go as far as dedicating entire albums to these alter egos. A common trait found among all these alter egos Is that they do and say things that the artists can’t ,or rather, won’t ordinarily. The songs In which these alter egos are featured In usually include explicit lyrics and inevitably, a provocative music video to follow. Another example of contrast in popular music that has become increasingly trendy this past year Is the juxtaposition of spiritual themes alongside secular themes. Whether Its Beyoncé featuring on Michelle William’s gospel jam, Say Yes, weeks after she released a music video for her sultry song, Partition, or Nigeria’s own Dammy Krane putting his Christian charged tune, Amin, on the same album as his usual club bangers. It has become very clear that artists, both In the West and right here In Nigeria, are beginning to show an interest in exploring their spiritual beings without abandoning their inner party animal.
As mentioned earlier, there Is an inevitable presence of contrast In the day to day affairs of man. This means that this fascinating new trend in pop music is merely a natural reflection of the force of contrast in nature. However, there Is a question that comes to one mind when examining this trend : “What does It mean that “spiritual songs” by secular artists are reigning on music charts worldwide?”. Well one thing is obvious, these songs are making a connection with a great number of people. Given of course the fact that youths are the core consumers of pop music, one can narrow down the demographic. This also means that youth everywhere are relating to this contrast and this, this actually makes perfect sense. It is no secret that the teenage and the young adult years are the years of self discovery. It is the time for trying to make sense of a trillion emotions and philosophies . It is the time for trying to find out who you really are, If its who you thought you were and whether or not you agree with this new personality. Experimentation and frustration with this process usually results In rebellion and lawlessness, but not always. For the many boys and girls,who are becoming men and women, that were raised In a strict or even a flexible spiritual setting,this contrast Is relatable. The Inner war of trying to balance being trendy and en vogue with holding on to Grandma’s words of caution and last Sunday’s sermon Is very relevant to these youth.
Listening to the artists whose character or songs might be or are contributing to the intensity of this inner war sing about matters of spirituality creates some form of comfort for today’s youth. It makes them feel as though they are not alone in making sense of the trillion emotions and philosophies. It also does one very important thing. It creates a sense of justification. It justifies the new and foreign lifestyle that they have been nurturing recently. It justifies whatever acts that they Indulge In now that their former selves will be uncomfortable with. The scary part..most of these youth are probably less than aware of this effect.
The human subconscious is very powerful because it makes connections that human beings are not usually aware of consciously until they find themselves acting on these connections. And most times, even when they do find themselves acting on these connections, they still remain largely unaware of the cause. For example, when a youth hears something that Is popular , they usually make the assumption that It is right or In the very least, acceptable. The average youth listener arrives at the conclusion that because a song by a popular artist has a spiritual message that the message of the art and the artist respectively are right and or acceptable. The question that should be answered then is : “Is It right because it Is popular and supposedly acceptable? or Is it popular because it is right and supposedly acceptable?”.
That Is one question that this piece will not answer.
This piece, a mere commentary on the manifestation of contrast In art, will not answer such a question, not because of arrogance or the thrill of withholding Information, but rather because It can’t. Every artist, every song, every listener has a history, a background that fixates which direction their moral compasses points and why it does so. There Is no textbook solution, no wrong or right answer. Besides, this piece is merely a commentary. It claims to be nothing more and nothing less.
Not all conflicts find resolutions. Not because some are stubborn and chose not to, but rather because they simply cannot. The inner war rages on and on and the youth are left to fight; fight for their Identity, fight for their subconscious and fight for their morals. One can only hope that the better side emerges victorious at the end, however, there is no guarantee. There is no guarantee that all the struggles will find a place of peace or that darkness will eventually bow and give way to light. That is life in Its natural state, contrasting and unwinding. After all what is nature but a balancing act of contradictions?
Stay Crowned,
ADEOLUWA
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