The Intersectionality of Spirituality and Music

The Intersectionality of Music & Spirituality.  This was the topic of Podcast Episode #04 as I spoke with Crystle D, the host of Side Bar Conversations with Crystle D, where she discusses hot topics in media, music, money and more.

We discussed and dissected the spiritual and historical references throughout the song Black Parade by Beyoncé.  In recent years, Beyoncé has become more spiritual in her music, singing about topics that many people to this day still deem as taboo or demonic such hoodoo, working with crystals, honoring our ancestors, the Orishas and more.

These topics are in fact not evil, contrary to what some believe.  Unfortunately, however, some people have been so engrained with a specific doctrine that if they hear anything that goes against that, or is against what they have been taught, they automatically dismiss it, or believe it to be evil without any further study.

I have been a Beyoncé fan for many years, dating back to her days with Destiny’s Child.  Beyoncé and I grew up together in a sense considering we are only about two years apart in age.  More recently however, Beyoncé has used her huge platform to put a spotlight on African Spirituality, introducing some of its practices, especially in her song Black Parade.  She really brings spirituality to the forefront.

When Black Parade initially hit the airwaves, I saw many videos springing up on YouTube of people dissecting the song, stating that Beyoncé is in a cult, and so on.  Many people were particularly bothered and up in arms about the part in the song where Beyoncé says that she charges her crystals in a full moon.  I never understood the uproar, considering that humans have been using crystals for various healing and ritual purposes for centuries, and have turned to crystals to address various needs over the millennia.  Some of our ancestors may have sought healing from spirit doctors, shamans, minerals, special ceremonies, herbs, and crystals, and many regard crystals as possessing mystical and healing powers.  I in fact have a lovely collection of crystals that I think are absolutely beautiful.

One of my favorite lines in the song Black Parade is when Beyoncé says “400 hundred billi mansa musa.”  That line alone is golden.  She is giving major history lessons and so much information in the song.  Many people may not even be aware of Mansa Musa, nor the fact that he is still to this day, considered the richest man of all time.  Research shows that he was born around 1280 and died around 1337.  Most of his riches came from mining significant salt and gold deposits in the Mali Kingdom.  I absolutely love how Beyoncé pulls all of these facts and lessons together, while at the same time entertaining us. 

Another one of my favorite lines is when she says “growing, growing like a baobab tree.”  Admittedly, I did not know what these trees were until I heard that line and afterwards, I did some research of course.  That is really how you find out additional information about things.  Rather than simply dismissing something because you have never heard of it, look into it and learn more about it.  I can honestly say that I cannot wait to see these magical trees in person.  They are mainly in Africa and are known as the tree of life.  They store water in their vast trunks and the photos alone left me in awe, so I can only imagine what it will be like to see these amazing trees in person.  I am speaking it into existence that I will see these trees up close and personal in the very near future.  Remember, always speak positivity over yourself to attract to you what you desire.   

There are many other amazing lines throughout the song Black Parade, and if one simply listens and does a little research on the topics that she talks about, they will be amazed at what they find.  I have been studying the Orishas in some form over the years, so when Beyoncé mentioned the Orishas, specifically Oshun and Yemaya, I could not help but smile.  The Orishas are known for their tremendous powers and can help you along your journey through life.  She also talks about ankh charm on gold chain, and the ankh has been considered the first original cross, representing eternal life.

There are so many golden lines throughout this song, and if one would only be open to learning something new, they may be amazed at what they learn. So check out Podcast Episode #4 here, entitled “Spirituality & Music,” or under the Podcast Tab.