Kwanzaa began on a Moonday, Yemoja’s Day in Orisa tradition. The moon was waxing in Aquarius, and the day vibrated on an 8.
Love and light to you, and I honor your Ori(spirit of your consciousness), your ancestors, and your spirt guides for leading you here! Just sharing a few sentiments on my Umoja day, the very first day of Kwanzaa…For the last few years, I have been in creation of literature, poetry, art, and other works to bring the 7 principles of Kwanzaa to the forefront. I manifest the infusion of these principles of our everyday lives. 2022 marks the second year that I did the “Kwanzaa with iiiYansa” jam sessions on my radio station, 222.9 The Mothership. This year, I decided to share some of my playlists. For the Kwanzaa Principle of Umoja, the songs demonstrate the power of our voices in Unison. In no particular order, here are 7 songs that embody the Kwanzaa principle of Unity.
#7: Black Men United: You Will Know (1994)
This song is from the Jason’s Lyric Soundtrack. It features many of the most popular black male R&B singers of the 90’s including Brian McKnight, Tevin Campbell, Gerald Levert, and Aaron Hall. It speaks of encouragement, and anthem for black men worldwide.
#6: Freedom: Black Panther Soundtrack (1995)
I first heard this song when I was a little girl. I felt it in my bones. This song is a collective passionate outcry against racial injustice, from the voices of many of the top black female R&B singers, including SWV, En Vogue, TLC, Vanessa Williams, Monica, Aaliyah, and Me Shell Ndgeocello. Fire Track!
#5: Freedom: Black Panther Soundtrack (Dirty Dozen Rap Mix) (1995)
The duality to its R & B counterpart, this song is also featured on the Panther soundtrack. It it loaded with female hip hop heavy hitters such as Queen Latifah, Yo Yo, MC Lyte, Salt N Pepa, Left Eye and many more! A lot of power on one song!
#4: Rumble in the Jungle: The Fugees, A Tribe Called Quest & Busta Rhymes from the “When We Were Kings Soundtrack (1997)
Anything pertaining to Muhammad Ali must be associated with mastery, and this track was no different. This classic hip hop encore doesn’t just jam, it is packed with wisdom and sciences that we speak of today!
#3: Wake Up Everybody: by Brandy, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, Wyclef Jean, Musiq Soulchild, Ashanti, Babyface, Monica, Claudette Ortiz, Eve, Faith Evans, Fabolous, Jadakiss, Akon, Jamie Foxx, Jaheim, Floetry, Jon B, Keke Palmer, Marques Houston, Miri Ben-Ari, Nick Scotti, Omarion
A beautiful remake of Harold Melvin and the Blunotes, (Teddy Pendergrass), produced by Babyface, this song features and array of hot artists that reiterate the importance of this song’s message.
#2: We are the World – U.S.A. for Africa(1984), and U.S.A. for Haiti(2010) Versions
Ok, so I cheated on this one and bundled two into one! Both renditions of this song are powerful, beautiful, and feature an array of diverse artists, on a call for worldwide unity. That is just how influential we are.
#1: We are One – Maze and Frankie Beverly ( 1983)
While this isn’t an encore song, it holds a very important message from sentiments. If we are one, why do we treat each other so terribly? This question applies in our families, friendships, relationships, community-ships, and total humaness. I love the reminder that all is one, and the degrees of separation are but illusion.
May these songs stimulate your inspiration for more Umoja, or the Kwanzaa Principle of UNITY in your life! There were many other songs I wanted to list, but that would make this post a long scroll. Besides, should you beam up (tune in) to 222.9 The Mothership Internet Radio, you will find music that feeds your soul like this daily! There is a player at the bottom of this post!
Ase in Love,
iiiYansaje T. Muse
Moon Waxing In Aquarius