London – lockdown week 7 and we are all starting to run out of films and podcasts – so it’s good time for some new tunes!
Music holds a special place in our life. More than any other art form, it has the power to lift our mood, make us dance and smile – just what we need while we are still, mostly, stuck inside.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve all experienced a range of emotions that can be difficult to comprehend or contain – and with the world in constant flux, we face uncertainties and new realities.
Alice Walker once said: ‘Hard times require furious dancing’ and this has been my lockdown motto! From playing the 30-day music challenge with friends to digging out old favourites, I have discovered artists and musicians from many different parts of the world along the way.
Music is more than great sounds – it’s powerful lyrics and ideas, it’s travel, escapism and memories; and that’s why it brings such joy.
So, here’s a playlist for you all combining some timeless classics, old and new favourites, some headbanging, rabble-rousing and hip wiggling tunes – because we’ll all need more of these to get us through!
Happy listening, dancing and sharing …
#1
Legend Nina Simone’s soulful and timeless classic Feeling Good is like an affirmation of inner peace and power, a desire to move forward and focus on the good times ahead:
“It’s a new dawn
It’s a new day
It’s a new life for me
And I’m feeling good.”
#2
Country music mega star Dolly Parton’s fast paced 9 to 5 captures the reality of the working day and conditions – especially for women who are often overworked, underpaid and disrespected. The song has become particularly relevant at a time when women are taking on even more unpaid care responsibilities.
#3
80’s rock icon, Annie Lennox, teams up with the queen of soul, Aretha Franklin, for this powerful feminist anthem Sisters are doing it for themselves:
“So we’re comin’ out of the kitchen
‘Cause there’s somethin’ we forgot to say to you (we say)
Sisters are doin’ it for themselves.
Standin’ on their own two feet.”
#4
Rowdy 1970’s English punk rock band X-Ray Spex bring us Oh bondage, Up yours! – an irreverent powerful rejection of social and gender norms which begins with:
“Some people think little girls should be seen and not heard
And I think – oh bondage – up yours!
1234 ….”
#5
Bikini Kill high energy 90’s Rebel Girl is a song about sisterhood – a refreshing battle cry for togetherness and friendship – in a world where women are often pitted against one another.
#6
I only just discovered Ana Tijoux, but love her powerful political, feminist, antifascist music and Antipatriarca ticks all the boxes.
#7
I first heard anti-apartheid activist Busi Mhlongo’s Yehlisam’umoya ma-Afrika by chance, after listening to legendary Miriam Makeba (aka Mama Afrika) and was so mesmerised I felt I had to share it far and wide.
#8
Beyonce’s rap tune ***flawless about rising in the morning looking perfect, doesn’t need much introduction – but worth mentioning the special feature – a snippet from Nigerian feminist author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED talk – just saying!
#9
Syrian-American rapper and activist Mona Haydar’s Hijabi is as self-explanatory as it is necessary – a powerful antidote to constructions of femininities of the Muslim ‘other’ in western culture.
#10
Lizzo’s Juice is THE feelgood song – full stop! It’s fun, it’s cheeky, it’s sassy – so get on the proverbial dancefloor – now!
“If I’m gonna shine,
Everybody’s gonna shine!”
#11
Closing off with a beautiful, reflective song by all round feminist super star Amanda Palmer: In my
mind.
Sparing a thought for survivors of violence* and women working on the frontline – for whom this has
been a particularly gruelling time.
*If you or any one you know has been or is affected you can contact:
- UK:
- Freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
- More information available on www.refuge.org.uk and www.womensaid.org.uk/covid-19-coronavirus-safety-advice-for-survivors/
- US:
- Toll-Free 24-Hour National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)
- More information on the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence website
- Australia:
- Hotline and information on www.whiteribbon.org.au
- New Zealand:
- Women’s Refuge Free 24-Hour Crisis Line: 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843
- More information on Women’s Refuge website, on the Are You OK? campaign’s website, or the government’s website
