As an artist experiencing S. Africa, I felt it was necessary to capture this art piece in my video that was not only amazing but controversial and a bit painful. Africa has such contrast of breathtaking beauty yet heart wrenching sadness and struggle.
It forces you to truly value and appreciate the luxuries we sometimes take for granted. I am someone who always looks for strength in the struggle. That's what inspired me to do this particular record in front of this art piece designed by Michelangelo called "Dying Slave". Initially, I was upset being that this art piece resides on a resort that primarily Caucasians frequent.
However, I now realize the piece is merely a symbolic memorialization of a piece of history. It represents what our people have gone through and fight every day to overcome. With that being said, I feel it is a necessity to not just gloat about surface level success, but establish a mission and voice to empower, educate, and plan a way to even the playing field. We also have a history of being Kings and Queens, and that is what I will highlight in conjunction with our painful history.
It's bigger than music for me. It is a soundtrack to elevating in life. Understand this video only scratches the surface of the weight the meaning truly holds. It holds a purpose bigger than any one man or woman. Anything broken must be rebuilt from the inside out. It must come from the root. Acknowledge race, but focus on character, morals, principles, and policies. The only way to balance the shift. Stay tuned. More to come.
Written by BPope:
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