(Written Mosiah 2015)

It’s the “The Black Music Revolution” that has been running since 2006. The result of the natural conviction that necessitates a young activist born and raised in an organisation called the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement; 2 years formally initiated into manhood and full of revolutionary passion – carving out a space for youth energy as the eldest of a younger generation.

I was by then, a pretty established name on the loose formation known as the “Spoken Word Scene”. Best Kept Secret Spoken Word Collective was officially just over a year old. I was therefore fully involved in a movement that saw art as a medium for change as well as expression.

In various sections of the Black community, we can be heard complaining about the fact that there are not enough places and spaces that profile so-called “conscious”music and art. We often, rightfully identify the fact that the mainstream often projects the worst images of our people through our music, and bemoan the negative impact that this can have on younger generations. Furthermore, we often teach on the fact that Black people do not have economic control over the industry built upon the music born of our culture.

I am a GARVEYITE, which means that BLACK SELF-RELIANCE is one of my fundamental principles. That basic philosophy told me one thing; if there is no space – CREATE ONE! The Spoken Word Scene was buzzin with self reliant Afrikans who put on their own shows, produced their own albums, published their own books and designed the art work that packaged it all. Having been raised in the activist community, MOSIAH STORM created a space that brought together front line activist with the artist who were giving expression to their everyday work; as well teaching youth, who knew little about Marcus Garvey – about Marcus Garvey.

But there was much more at stake. I had studied the impact of the UNIA-ACL on the Harlem Renaissance and the development of Jazz in the 1920’s. Nana Kuntu (Del Jones) had taught me about “Culture Bandits” and from then on I would be a Culture Warrior. Mama Marimba Ani taught me Cultural Reclamation & Reconstruction and from then on I would be a Cultural Scientist. It was apparent to me that what became popular music among my generation (what is called “mainstream”) was not a natural occurrence nor an accident of history; but the result of ideas that we had been trained to respond to from birth. We say things like “Sex sells” as though sex is an economic hitman, irresistible to the masses of the people. This is lazy thinking that divorces people from their own ability to impact time, space and circumstances for ourselves.

The prevailing sensibility within Black Music and the mainstream has been that of seeking acceptance. In other words, artists are trying to figure out how to have their music break the popular market, played on mainstream radio, pushed by mainstream record/distribution companies, sold in mainstream stores and listened to by a ‘mainstream’ audience. Ironically, this is the sensibility even for most independent Black Record companies, whose product, both creatively and economically are subject to the aspiration of achieving billboard success and/or Grammy recognition. Whether we know it or not, this sensibility either consciously or unconsciously speaks to our desire for white control and/or recognition for what we create.

Given that reality, it is obvious that what is required is not simply more Black Music, or even more Black Music with a “positive” message; but a proper change in our intention for creating music and our response to receiving it. I always knew there was a market for MOSIAH STORM! BUT…. MOSIAH STORM was never about tapping into markets – it is about CREATING MARKETS! It was about being a focal point for artists, activists and entrepreneurs who share this sensibility to build sustainable structures that will lead to the realisation that WE ARE OUR OWN MAINSTREAM!

The ARMY is now the promotional and economic force behind MOSIAH STORM and we are building a family. In the last few years I have learned so much about the value and purpose of this event. The STORM has seen many artists from Akala to Askala Selassie; from Swiss to Empress Imani; Native Sun to Bashiyra The Voice and so many more all of whom to varying degrees have become part of the MOSIAH STORM family. 2014 saw the biggest STORM thus far, featuring an array of phenomenal artists, none of whom have received “their stream” notoriety. Special shout to the man called GALLANT who has grace more MOSIAH STORM stages than anyone else, and had always backed and supported the spirit of the event from the very beginning.

Since then BFBP has joined the fold along with GOT KUSH TV and seeds of our own mainstream are beginning to sprout. The Storm has added another dimension –OMX STORM in honour of Omowale Malcolm X and will soon be adding BLACKTRICITY to the mix. In concert with the works all others we support and who support us – We are in the midst of an artistic revolution that is as Political as it is Artistic; as Spiritual as it is Economic; and as Industrial as it is Cultural.

Marcus Garvey & the UNIA-ACL inspired the Harlem Rennaisance. Omowale Malcolm X and the Panthers inspired the Black Arts Movement. Rastafari inspired Reggae & Dub Poetry. Minister Farrakhan, the NOI and the Africentric Movement inspired Hip-Hop…

What will inspire the Black Art of today?

This is why we do MOSIAH STORM. Not for the sake of a pro Black Power talent show. Not simply for the sake snapping fingers, jeans and creps along with head wraps in an incense filled room. Not simply for the sake of bringing street warriors together with intellectuals – although all of this and more is achieved, these are superficial if not built upon. We do MOSIAH STORM to connect the Arts with the Movement. To inspire the Movement to take the arts seriously. To create spaces where artists and activist develop the entrepreneurial spirit. To shine a light on the cultural and spiritual significance of our music. And most importantly to help create the community where all of the above can exist as an expression of our collective self determination & self reliance.

This is 10th Anniversary MOSIAH STORM next yeara and we fully intend to get bigger – and Blacker.

WE ARE OUR OWN MAINSTREAM!!!

MOSIAH LIVES!!!

ROUND HERE WE SAY TENDAI MWARI!!!!