Power of Music

Presenter: Kayla Mercer

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Department: Art

Funding Source/Sponsor: SYRCE Symposium

Screenshot URL: https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19tL0TBLwCwX-f901a3XfJgxMqUci7UXI

Abstract:
Kayla Mercer

Power of music, 2020

Painted CDs on wood

Since the 1970’s reggae music was used to fight oppression, racism, and the exploitation of the poor and underprivileged which ultimately showed the power of music. It began in Jamaica and started the Rastafarian movement. Bob Marley, one of the most influential faces of reggae stood as a symbol of African youth. Many have had false assumptions when they envision the type of people who listen to reggae music. What many people do not know is some songs even contained bible verses. In reality, it influenced people to stand up for their rights and what they believed in.  

I created this around the symbol of a peace sign because reggae music pushed society to strive for a world of peace and equality. The work features paintings on CDs of the issues being faced as well as the underlying meaning or messages in songs and Bob Marley’s music. This includes many of the components that form reggae music as a whole.