The history and politics of the English protest song

2000

Effects of Slavery

Tune: Original
Lyrics: Macka B
Composer: Macka B

The effects of slavery, in Macka B’s telling, are both personal and political. It is him in the pictures of lynchings; it is the legacy of slavery that is lived now. Slavery is described as the ‘black holocaust’ (see also ‘Maangamizi’), and listeners are urged to recognise this history – and to put their faith in Rastafari.

Cause: Anti-racist | Equal Rights
Theme: War and Peace | Rights | Identity
Addressed to: The Oppressed/targeted | Universal
Target of Protest: Elected Representatives | Political Faction
Proposal/Solution: Reparation | Education