“Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife.” – Kahlil Gibran
Music without doubt is a complex subject. I have wondered many times what the world would look like without music - of course it would be worthless and without life. It's just unimaginable how tasteless life would be without music. I also wonder how gifted man have become to have improved the music world to the level it is currently.
The evolution of music is very fast, with new genres and beats being generated almost everyday. Creativity is a daily trend in the music industry with fresh minds coming up with music blends that we knew nothing about before. Unlike before, it's now difficult to classify music in to definite classes and genres - the blending is now boundless.
The Good Side...
It's a well known fact that music is soul impacting, whether the listener is conscious about it or not. I have met people whose mindset and worldview was transformed as a result of the music they listened to. Some really good lyrics have made positive imprint on the lives of its listeners, with some turning a new leaf as a result of following a particular singer or musician.
Music has always been a tool for influencing society since time immemorial. Some ideas which ordinarily would have been difficult to convey using the normal media has gotten global attention through music. This is simply because man by nature appreciate better what soothes his soul.
With a soul-soothing music, a message can be conveyed without much persuasion.
Today's music industry with its numerous varieties has produced many talents who dish out entertaining contents with great creativity. Many young artists now shut down major stadia and event centres during performances. Local musicians now run the global stage especially with the aid of different mega music platforms that help promote their contents. That for me is a big win.
Almost anyone can make great impact and command large followings in the current music industry without much challenge - it's now a level ground for anyone who is willing to put in the work and energy.
Many creative minds has contributed to making the music industry a multi billion dollar one. African music is now widely accepted globally with exponential acceptance.
The Other Side...
Even with the advancement of the current music industry and songs produced, there are still major loopholes in the system.
Moral decadence:
Morality in music is fast becoming a thing of the past. With many new artist flooding the music industry, quality and society transforming lyrics are now scarce. Most music now promote drug abuse, materialism, money rituals, pride and many other vices. Women are now seen as objects of sexual experiment and pleasure. Most songs are unhealthy for children and no one seem to care much. Youths are not left out - they have been greatly influenced that they now copy what their favourite artists portray in their music without considering the consequences of their actions.
To the present day youth, beats now matter more than lyrics - as long as the beats are appealing, every other thing doesn't matter, whether or not the lyrics or videos be destructive.
Social Vices:
The current yahoo trend was made easily acceptable in the society through music. Many musicians portray it as the surest means of getting wealth which in reality is a trap for youths who eventually venture in to it.
For me, I think most of the music contents we have today are more destructive than edifying. Our performers seek after attention and popularity more than positively impacting society. Only a few artists still consider the impact of their music in the positive direction.
I think our society, especially the youths need a proper reorientation on the essence of music - it is meant to edify the soul of man and bring him to a realm where he is away from his current troublesome environment. Music is supposed to drive home meaningful message to it's listeners for a better and productive society, not one full of vices.