Welcome to the first entry on the new Dylan and the Mule blog, which partners our podcasting site.
Words by The Mule
As the MOBO awards venture out of London for the first time and head to Glasgow on the 30th of September, we open up the debate…
“‘Music of black origin’ is already over-represented in UK popular music culture and the name MOBO represents a form of racism in its own right“. Discuss…
Okay, so I know this is not a new argument (the awards have been going since 1995) and it is one which is likely to upset some people, but please hear me out. I have several fundamental problems with the MOBO awards. So here goes…
The name is the most obvious problem. Music Of Black Origin. It is so pedantic and reeks of an attempt to deflect charges of racism, but actually invites them. “It’s not black music, it is music of black origin, so it doesn’t exclude anyone”.
Gospel MC Jahaziel: But where does gospel music come from?
Right, that’s unhelpful. So now we have to define what is meant by ‘black origin’. Can we really claim that all the music at the MOBOs is uniquely of black origin? There are many non-black people who have had a huge influence on a host of genres which are being celebrated at the MOBOs. It is often argued that the root of modern popular music is in blues. Well I don’t accept that one ethnicity can claim ownership of three chords and a pentatonic scale (aside from the fact that ‘black’ is not an ethnicity, but let’s not overcomplicate this any more than I already have).
What about the roots of gospel being traced back to white slave owners and the Presbyterian churches of the Scottish highlands? Even that is only part of an argument because musical styles are too complex to claim they come from one ethnic source. The premise of the awards, brought about by a need to not make them appear racist, is deeply flawed and thus smacks of racism.
The beauty of music is that it draws influences form so many places. If you listen to the music being showcased at the MOBOs on Wednesday night, you will be able to spot influences from many different sources. It is the same at the Mercury awards and just about every other awards ceremony I’ve seen. Music is multi-ethnical and as fewer and fewer cultures exist in isolation, it will become even more intertwined.
Carrie Grant: Not strictly 'of black origin', but I may have missed the point here...
Music should be categorised by style rather than some outlandish claim that any particular style is the property of one ethnic origin. Often, music is excessively categorised to the point where it becomes confusing. I don’t know what post-fusion funk is, but I’ve seen it written. The point here though, is that ‘black origin’ is not a musical category. An awards ceremony celebrating under-represented hip hop and urban acts would be uncontroversial and of great worth. There could be many sub categories within this, just like at the MOBOs, but it wouldn’t be playing the race card at all. Let the talent speak for itself.
Also, is there really any need for these awards? It is important to note though that popular music is one area where being ‘of black origin’ is not generally a boundary, but often a plus. Urban and hip hop acts are seen as ‘edgy’ by the marketing types and A&R people. The market decides, and MTV and the charts are awash with acts which can be classed as being of black origin. If you look at the ethnic make-up of the UK, then compare that to the amount of acts ‘of black origin’ appearing in the main popular music output on radio, TV and subsequently in the charts, then it can be argued that music of black origin is vastly over-represented in this sense. As I say though, the market decides and this statistical over-representation occurs because the buying public likes the music. Therefore it is a valid indication of the quality of music on offer.
So if the music is over-represented rather than under-represented, then why the need for a separate awards ceremony, placing needless barriers in the way of accessibility?
To be honest, I had other complaints before I started writing this article. I was going to mention the problems with homophobia and murder incitement in 2004, the excessive consumerist culture which accompanies the MOBOs and my general dislike for awards ceremonies. However, I have come to the conclusion now that I would be happy to let it slide if it wasn’t for the ridiculous moniker.
So, let’s please keep race out of music awards shows so that we can ALL choose to enjoy them, or not, depending on our taste. ‘Black’ is not a musical genre. ‘Black origin’ is also not a musical genre. Music Of Black Origin is a needlessly confusing, ambiguous and inflammatory title and one which riles people up and causes endless controversy… and…erm…a…lot…of…publicity…..
…Hang on a second, I think I’ve just figured it out!!!
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