Writing consistently over the past few weeks has been quite shit and I know this. I’ve spent the better part of February and this month so far putting together It’s Giving R&B, and there have been long spells of anxiety and silence.
To tell the truth, I spent roughly 12 months with Flytime helping to organize some of the biggest events this country has ever seen put together but this experience so far has been the real work. It’s different when you’re the one trying to execute something that was your vision only 5 months ago. If I ever get asked how I managed to keep my wits about me through this process so far, I’ll say it’s by being focused on what needs to be done immediately.
It’s Giving R&B is a project I genuinely hope lives beyond me, and I am excited at that prospect. I’ve sat with the thought of the possibilities that could come out of building a community that appreciates this specific music genre for a moment and a peep behind the veil could only reveal what was directly in front of me, so that’s what we focus on.
I enjoy the music I listen to. I sometimes enjoy the music other people listen to and how it opens me up to complex feelings. Over the past 3 Fridays, I’ve spent time at an alternate music hangout, watching a diverse crowd let loose and immerse themselves in the music they love. It almost feels like a spiritual experience when you’re an observer, and maybe it is. I highly recommend you check out Concept Fridays at Jake’s. It’s at the Silverbird Entertainment Center from 6:00 PM till late every week.
I’ve been about community a lot lately, and I don’t think I can emphasise it enough, especially in these tough times. We’ve spent the better part of the 80s, 90s and 00s building this individualistic society that is so hyper-focused on individual achievements, that many people’s efforts have been brushed along the way to uphold the efforts of one individual. I want to remember every day that this project is not merely of my own making. The immeasurable amount of support I have received over the past few weeks has been amazing and it truly warms my heart to realise I am in the midst of some of the most amazing people alive.
If you are reading this, happen to enjoy R&B music, love the company of people who enjoy music, or you simply want to hang out with amazing people, join us at The Barlance on the 30th of March from 3:00 PM. Let’s have a party.
Side note
I have had this urge to speak up more about empathy or the lack of it. I’ve seen this expressed in debates and public discourse regarding race, religion and conflict. It has been much more pronounced in the Israel-Gaza situation and it truly hurts. I know I have brought up this conflict several times already, but I imagine your mild inconvenience is nothing compared to families who have loved ones being held hostage, or are currently at risk of bombs being dropped on them or are facing an impending famine due to a deliberate blockade by the IDF.
I have ceased having public conversations or debates about this conflict because I often find myself amongst people who either view this issue through a narrow lens or have intentionally refused to educate themselves. It pains me because if more voices spoke up, our opposition could put a stop to the senseless killings. There are other much more complicated conflicts, especially the ones in Syria and Congo, and those deserve our attention undoubtedly.