Concordia University
Delegation
The Pop & Politics Conference 2004
Page by Geneviève Paul,
Bac. en Relations internationales et droit international (BRIDI), 3rd year, UQAM
Intern, The Rights & Democracy Network, October 2004
The Pop and Politics Conference, held in Montreal on October 1st and 2nd 2004, was organized in association with the 3rd Pop Montreal Music Festival. The principal objectives of the conference were to show how pop music can contribute to social and political changes through its mobilizing power and its capacity to raise awareness through education. Including K-OS, Nah-ee-lah, Rosina Katsi et Davey D, musicians, performers, actors, producers and radio hosts, were united in Montreal showed their faith in independent music which defends human rights, fairness and justice.
The different speakers, especially Aaron Lakoff, illustrated how well music has influenced communities in the past and how it continues today, for instance, in the United States with the recent mobilization of artists and musicians in favor of the vote.
The impact of music on awareness related to issues such as democracy, human rights and peace was also highlighted. In the context of globalization, the participants underlined the growing issues that independent music is facing, such as the lack of media visibility and financial support. Moreover, they insisted on the importance of creating non-superficial music inspired from our grassroots, which facilitates changes in mentalities. In order to do so, the dialogue between the different types of music (mainstream and independent pop) must be promoted in a spirit of respect and cooperation.
From their personal experiences, musicians-composers-performers such as D’bi young and Nah-ee-lah now fight, through their work, against racism, discrimination against women and social stereotypes. Recalling the importance of introspection, D’bi young insisted on a return to mother earth, to simplicity.
Priorities are different from one person to another and music will not succeed in completely changing tomorrow’s world. However, with their strong conviction of the power of music, the speakers sent a clear message: we have to continue supporting and producing engaged pop music which transcends borders. Music has and will always be part of us; it can make a difference. Let’s use this power for the benefit of humanity, in the defense of our rights.
