Healthy Living
Top 10 listening list for Black History Month 2021
04 February 2021 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
In addition to a month-long selection of Black History Month events, our Black Experience Staff Advisory Committee (BESAC) members have recommended a listening selection for you to check out. Enjoy!
Please note parental advisory due to language on two selections.
1. “Black is Beautiful” by Chronixx
Alexia's pick
This song highlights the beautiful side of being black that is often left out of history. Chronixx constantly pushes the pro-black narrative. On this song he uses his lyrical genius to celebrate all things black.
2. “Somebody” by Antwan Banks Williams
Ellen’s pick
The narrative of a Black man, and the imposter syndrome he struggles with. When Antwan Banks raps, he tells a story of struggle, strength and resilience. Despite the context, this song is an uplifting one for our Black population, and reminds them that they can be anybody they want to be.
3. “Mama Africa” performed by Andrew Tosh
Sam’s pick
This video shows beauty, creativity and Black cultural joy. This video also reminds Black people of our origin (Africa) and the beauty and strength of the African people. It’s a reflection to how far we have come in showing the world that our music brings love, hope and joy to us.
4. “Bigger” by Beyonce
Ellah’s pick
Bigger is part of The Lion King live action soundtrack by Beyonce and “a heartfelt message encouraging the listener to see themselves as a key piece of a larger whole.”
5. “Jerusalema” by Master KG & Nomcebo
Hellen’s pick
Bigger is part of The Lion King live action soundtrack by Beyonce and “a heartfelt message encouraging the listener to see themselves as a key piece of a larger whole.”A ‘Global dance challenge’ to kick-start the 2021 year on a positive note. This South African dance song is a unifying spiritual-oriented track mimicked by many around the globe. Some calling it a “Covid Anthem” and a source of joy at grim times.
6.“We Home” online concert performance by Kes the Band
Christina’s pick
When I think of music to heal my soul and transport me ‘back home,’ I think of Kes the Band. Their Trini vibes and sweet Soca music are all I need to make a bad day good again. Filmed in Trinidad on Independence Day 2020, this musical medicine was delivered virtually to the world via various online platforms.
7.“Toast” by Koffee
Farheen’s pick
Musician Koffee has an unwavering mission to empower the youth of her generation as well as to preserve the roots and culture of Jamaica. She says, “I want to make a better world for the generation that’s coming up, to promote love and peace, and even though I’m young, I feel that the Creator has blessed me with talent and wisdom to get the job done.”
8.“Famalay” by Skinny Fabulous, Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin
Ellen’s pick
A feel-good song, and it’s Soca, what could be better? Black Joy at its finest.
9.“Superheroes” by Stormzy
Alexia’s pick
Encouraging words for our young Black kings and queens.
Parental Advisory: Explicit language.
Created by one of Toronto’s musical powerhouses, DJ Lissa Monet brings us a mix that is “invoked in the spirit of timeless Black music and the classics that are presented in this mix. Black Music that acts as a reminder that we’ve been singing about this **** forever.” Music by Curtis Mayfield, Sampha Solange, The Vanguard (D’Angelo), Stevie Wonder, Kendric Lamar, Gil Scott Heron & many more.
Parental Advisory: Explicit language.
Please note parental advisory due to language on two selections.
1. “Black is Beautiful” by Chronixx
Alexia's pick
This song highlights the beautiful side of being black that is often left out of history. Chronixx constantly pushes the pro-black narrative. On this song he uses his lyrical genius to celebrate all things black.
2. “Somebody” by Antwan Banks Williams
Ellen’s pick
The narrative of a Black man, and the imposter syndrome he struggles with. When Antwan Banks raps, he tells a story of struggle, strength and resilience. Despite the context, this song is an uplifting one for our Black population, and reminds them that they can be anybody they want to be.
3. “Mama Africa” performed by Andrew Tosh
Sam’s pick
This video shows beauty, creativity and Black cultural joy. This video also reminds Black people of our origin (Africa) and the beauty and strength of the African people. It’s a reflection to how far we have come in showing the world that our music brings love, hope and joy to us.
4. “Bigger” by Beyonce
Ellah’s pick
Bigger is part of The Lion King live action soundtrack by Beyonce and “a heartfelt message encouraging the listener to see themselves as a key piece of a larger whole.”
5. “Jerusalema” by Master KG & Nomcebo
Hellen’s pick
Bigger is part of The Lion King live action soundtrack by Beyonce and “a heartfelt message encouraging the listener to see themselves as a key piece of a larger whole.”A ‘Global dance challenge’ to kick-start the 2021 year on a positive note. This South African dance song is a unifying spiritual-oriented track mimicked by many around the globe. Some calling it a “Covid Anthem” and a source of joy at grim times.
6.“We Home” online concert performance by Kes the Band
Christina’s pick
When I think of music to heal my soul and transport me ‘back home,’ I think of Kes the Band. Their Trini vibes and sweet Soca music are all I need to make a bad day good again. Filmed in Trinidad on Independence Day 2020, this musical medicine was delivered virtually to the world via various online platforms.
7.“Toast” by Koffee
Farheen’s pick
Musician Koffee has an unwavering mission to empower the youth of her generation as well as to preserve the roots and culture of Jamaica. She says, “I want to make a better world for the generation that’s coming up, to promote love and peace, and even though I’m young, I feel that the Creator has blessed me with talent and wisdom to get the job done.”
8.“Famalay” by Skinny Fabulous, Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin
Ellen’s pick
A feel-good song, and it’s Soca, what could be better? Black Joy at its finest.
9.“Superheroes” by Stormzy
Alexia’s pick
Encouraging words for our young Black kings and queens.
Parental Advisory: Explicit language.
10.“The Difference” -music mix created by DJ Lissa Monet x The Legends League
Christina’s pick
Created by one of Toronto’s musical powerhouses, DJ Lissa Monet brings us a mix that is “invoked in the spirit of timeless Black music and the classics that are presented in this mix. Black Music that acts as a reminder that we’ve been singing about this **** forever.” Music by Curtis Mayfield, Sampha Solange, The Vanguard (D’Angelo), Stevie Wonder, Kendric Lamar, Gil Scott Heron & many more.
Parental Advisory: Explicit language.
