adminNkosilathi Sibanda Urban Beats
OFTENTIMES we are drawn to particular music because of what we believe in. An individual’s religion can influence his or her life. The pertinent question among religious people when it comes to music is: What does the church say about this type of music? Would you face your pastor if he finds your iPod full of Lil Wayne, Winky D or Tupac?
I am not an expert on religious beliefs so I will concentrate on what my Adventist friend said.
He made me feel guilty for playing one of my favourite artistes, Jay Z. We all know the hullabaloo on Jay, Beyonce, Rihanna and the rest in the circular music scene.
Some are convinced these and other successful performers are of satanic orientation.
My dear friend had no kind words for pop musicians whom he blamed for the moral decay. Although I would not agree with this entirely, some international artistes are guilty of perpetuating this perception.
My Adventist friend said he could not allow MTV to poison his eyes and psyche with videos of half dressed models. He said instead of watching Lady Gaga or Nicki Minaj, he would rather sunbath.
“I fail to understand what Big Nuz sings about. There is nothing progressive in their lyrics yet you will spend the night dancing to that,” he said.
It goes without saying that religion has influence on the type of music one enjoys listening to. Secular music is not popular with Christians but at times that should not blind us to have a narrowed view of the world.
Music critics point out that at times “secular” art can engage in religious storytelling about biblical characters, ideas and themes without appearing “religious”.
Listening to Jay Z does not make me illuminati. We had many Christians who last week spent their last cent to buy tickets to Rihanna’s Johannesburg show.
Listening closely to some of the artistes whom we brand as immoral will indicate nothing but a reflection of what society really is. We meet women in skimpy dresses and turn at corners filled with prostitutes in the city but when music videos depict that we are quick to point a finger.
But would one not listen to music and put all judgments aside? Musicians who are true to their profession confess they sing to uplift society.
Dan Tshanda and the rest of the artistes under his belt are gospel musicians in their right. They praise the Most High and sing for blessings at the same time providing entertainment.
At one city pub they played Bonakele’s award-winning Ngihluphekile. Men and women in a drunken stupor danced and asked for a replay.
It is difficult to establish what these revellers really believe in but from the choice of the song, one gets to understand they hear what the gospel hit is all about.
Several studies indicate that musical preferences provide a means of discriminating between social groups.
Before the audience even has a chance to react to music, they must first make the choice to listen to it. The knowledge of religious influences in a piece of music could also have an effect on an individual’s choice in this matter.
When it comes to appreciating our different tastes to music, we ought to examine the various interactions within certain musical contexts.
Most of us may form and hold different types of beliefs concerning music and the various musical activities. I have realised this depends on prior musical experiences and the diverse influences from the wider socio-cultural context.
To a party fanatic it makes sense for DJ Tira to sing about booze and women.
Some among us can juggle secular music and find no harm with worshipping the Supreme Being afterwards. It’s a choice.
Foremost, we choose what to believe in, we attain the same effect with music. Sadly the ripple effect extends to how we view those who listen to different stuff.
Rastafarians will listen to nothing but reggae.
In our conversation about music this weekend ponder over what Ellen G White said on the effective use of music in Israel’s experience.
“Songs fixed lessons in mind. As the people journeyed through the wilderness, many precious lessons were fixed in their minds by means of song.”
So it is possible that music which has religious influences is more likely to be listened to by religious audiences.
Online Reporter