The 7 principles of Kwanzaa are ones who should be magnified, normalized, and kept year round. For me, nothing does that better that the powerful spiritual medium of music. So, In light of the Kwanzaa principle of faith, here are 7 songs that resonate with Imani that we hear often. This countdown is in no particular order, because I love them all!
#1 Sounds of Blackness – The Lord with Make a Way
Where gospel meets blues…so genius. It speaks of holding on to faith when the chips are down. Faith wouldn’t be faith if it were always easy to have, and this song is a reminder of the ultimate Who that’s got your back.
#2: Brian McKnight & Diana King – When We Were Kings
From the documentary soundtrack on the legendary Muhammad Ali, this powerful duet speaks to remembering and taking action in reclaiming who we’ve always been- royalty.
#3: Tevin Campbell – Tomorrow
Inspiration from the vocals of children brings inspiration on another level. This song brings about faith in the most important way….faith in self.
#4: Kirk Franklin- Faith
Well, this song is pretty self explanatory when it comes to faith. With it, you can achieve the impossible, if there is such a thing. This song serves as an excellent reminder!
#5: Donny Hathaway- Someday We’ll All Be Free
This song is definitely a mood lifter when one finds themselves lacking in faith. You can hear the sorrow and triumph in equal measure in Mr. Hathaway’s voice. It speaks to collective faith in our freedom as a people, even though we must individually choose to walk tall. Doing so in the face of opposition lets the Universe know that you trust it. That’s faith.
#6: Take 6: I L-O-V-E You
This is one of my favorite gospel grooves of all time! It speaks to one needing to remember that maybe they, maybe we aren’t the only ones making it happen. Trusting a source that loves you is essential in maintaining faith…and God is love.
#7: The Winans & Anita Baker – Ain’t No Need to Worry
This song is another powerful faith booster when you’re feeling down on your luck. It reminds you that no matter what the trial is, it will pass with time.
To keep our faith, we need good sound vibrations, and musical go-tos to pick us up when the chips are down. These are but a few songs you can vibe to to keep this principle in your rotations year ’round! I’ve also written a book, Kwanzaa in Orbit, Kwanzaa Beamed Up to deeper explore more spiritual ways to observe and keep the Nguzo Saba. As always, my radio station, 222.9 The Mothership Internet Radio, is dedicated to keeping soul-feeding music like this infused with spiritual teachings in 24/7 rotation…just for you! Join me on my Tuesdaily blog, The Peridot Poultice for the Umoja Playlist! Beam Up!
Ase in Love,
iiiYansaje T. Muse
The Blaq Madonna of the Airwaves