Beyoncé: Reclamation in renaissance

The term “renaissance” refers to a rebirth: a time of transition and transformation that involves artistic and cultural revival. As the COVID-19 lockdown began to end, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter felt a renaissance emerging, and she wanted to be a nurturing part of it. Beyoncé’s album “Renaissance” was born to share love, confidence and joy and is part of a three-act musical project. 

“Renaissance” is more than a musical magnum opus; it is a reclamation. The EDM infused with messages about self-love also served as a homage to her late Uncle Johnny.

Beyoncé led the world into Act II, dubbed “Cowboy Carter,” on Friday, March 29. The album celebrates the music and recognition that was stolen from African American musicians. “Cowboy Carter” carries with it profound socio-political implications that will certainly dictate how the world discusses and pays reverence to innovative artists whose legacy and impact have long since been forgotten and erased.

If you say techno or EDM, people think of a dimly lit room of strangers dancing in Berlin. It wasn’t until the beginning of the 1990s, after the wall had fallen, that this music made its way into Germany.

Techno and EDM were born in Belleville, Michigan, out of the innovation of young Black men mixing tracks with drum machines, synthesizers and turntables. This sound was being developed at the same time as “house” music, where creators rummaged through otherwise useless materials to create a new unique sound. The “Death of Disco” was a catalyst for this at the end of the ‘70s.

The new genres of techno and house that led to EDM as we know it today were founded by these young Black men who primarily played their music in underground venues and queer clubs. The music to them was the sound of social change, civil unrest and resistance

Country music, like EDM, has Black origins. It incorporates the banjo – an instrument brought to America from West Africa through the transatlantic slave trade – and its sonic signature that is ever present and audible in country music. 

Early country stars such as the Carter family were influenced by Black musicians such as Lesley Riddle, a blues and gospel guitar player and folklorist. Moreover, the melodies of several prominent country songs were taken from hymns performed by Black ministers in the South, although, naturally, the song’s creators never received credit for this.

The next rumored genre to be explored for Act III is rock and roll. Although unconfirmed, Beyoncé is actively confronting the music industry’s past and how it has treated and accredited reverence to some genre’s founders in honoring and remembering them. Rock and roll is another genre with a tumultuous past. Beyoncé is helping to create awareness of the origins of these genres within pop culture so that the layman can gain further insight into the truth behind country music and EDM. Through that insight, it ensures its creators are not erased from history.

It must be added that Beyoncé is doing this while delivering what may be the best vocal performances and live concerts in the history of the entertainment industry, creating a well-rounded repertoire of historical basis and unparalleled skill.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROLLING STONE