Music / Reviews
Review: Akala, Thekla
I remember the first Akala song I heard – Shakespeare. It was something I’d never heard from UK rap before. The lyrics, inspired by literature, were meaningful, clever, educated. It showed underground rappers didn’t have to rely on borderline pornography and violence to put intrigue and energy into music.
Akala is an artist not often heard in the mainstream. His political lyrics and decision to release independently as of 2005 have kept him underground, which is a shame.
It’s hard to listen to Akala and not leave feeling informed. His show is like a university lecture, not just on black history but Britain’s history. His ability to show the parts we all play in our everyday lives that contribute to today’s problems can’t help but leave you with food for thought.
is needed now More than ever
One particular lyric that stood out towards the end of his set went as follows:
“It’s all about crime. Dehumanising is how I justify it so I must keep on lying about the history of Africa so I can live with the massacres. Repeat my mantra of Muslim and terrorist so I can sleep at night as bombs take flight. Eyes wide but I’m blind to the sight, too busy chasing the perfect life.”
Whether or not this was saved ’til the end for impact due to current affairs is unknown. Regardless the message was enhanced by a feverish crowd speaking defiantly along with him. It was a young crowd and one that knew his words well. Before he’d finished announcing post-show album signings at the back, a queue was already starting to form.
His current release Knowledge Is Power Vol: 2, from which he played a fair amount, shows a political artist who has a depth of understanding of the social climate and is eager to share that knowledge with his listeners, young and old.
The whole show was carried by a DJ, a live drummer and the man himself, Akala. Three guys on stage playing music they believe matters.
Will it get him radio play? Apparently not. Will it keep hold of his audience’s respect? Tonight suggests that it would.
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