I wanted to write something to mark the end of the official Black History Month; a non- event for most UK Blacks because we already live, learn and create Black history every day of our lives. Having said that, I have seen a few of the BHM Specials featuring Tim Campbell, Idris Elba and Kano on MTV Base, (now, there are three men I can confirm are even more humble and genuine in person than any interview would have you believe). I also heard a song and accompanying music video that instantly gave me a feeling of pride and hope about what we have, and will continue to achieve as Black Britons. The song, “Black Boys” by UK rapper Bashy pays homage to all Black men who are currently making significant steps forward in their respective fields and it’s as refreshing as a gold star for the naughty kid who’s always in detention. The roll call includes everyone from Footballers, Rappers, Actors to MP’s and Newsreaders and runs to the chorus line of “ooh child, things are gonna get easier” a line that has been spoken by many musical greats over the decades. That’s Black history.
For a minute there, I was about to buy into all the nostalgic sentimentality that goes along with BHM, when I heard on the grapevine that the song and video had been banned by UK broadcasting regulators due to it’s “racial content” I didn’t hear any derogatory, discriminatory or offensive lyrics in the song- in fact quite the opposite was true. Check the Bashy’s “Black Boy” full video out here or http://www.myspace.com/bashystar and let me know what you think.
I hope the investigation is quashed because any creative work that encourages our Black men to take care of their Black boys should not be censored. On a slightly brighter note, X Factor winner and fellow Hackney girl, Leona Lewis has finally released her debut single and it’s this week Number one in the UK Singles Charts. I think it’s great she’s made it to the top because she has a natural talent that was begging to be heard, but the track “Bleeding Love” didn’t send tingles down my spine like Bashy’s did. Hopefully with time she will develop her own sassy style, but I guess having Clive Davis and Simon Cowell on speed dial made things a little easier for this ooh-child.
donna@glenyearwoodgroup.com
4 responses so far ↓
Glen // October 31, 2007 at 11:53 pm
right on point sista.
Ivor // November 5, 2007 at 7:30 pm
I listened to Bashy’s Black Boy and thought it was a positive song for young black men and I didn’t find it racist at all. I even quite liked it!
Leona Lewis’s new single I really love, but then I did keep voting for her last year which is the first time before or since I’ve ever voted in a TV show.
Michelle A // November 8, 2007 at 4:00 pm
Bashy’s Black Boys is a brilliant track and certainly something for the UK’s black youth to listen to. The fact that certain regulatory bodies had an issue with this song only displays their lack of understanding of black youth and how political correctness has gone mad! The revolution will not be televised- you go girl!
However it’s been getting great reviews:
http://www.britishhiphop.co.uk/reviews/12_reviews/bashy_-_back_boys_cd_naughty_boy_recordings.html
Andrew // November 9, 2007 at 10:02 am
I heard Leona’s new single for the first time when I played it on my radio show, and it wasn’t bad at all.
It’s a pity we had to wait almost a year for debut song to be followed up.
I appreciate she’s been in the States promoting herself but hopefully she will spend a little more time over here and fulfill her undoubted potential.
We really could have a golden nugget on our hands, and she’s Black and British!