Decolonizing Contemporary Gospel Music Through Praxis: Handsworth Revolutions
Ebook
Is contemporary Black British gospel music a coloniality? What theological message is really conveyed in these songs?
In this book, Robert Beckford shows how the Black British contemporary gospel music tradition is in
crisis because its songs continue to be informed by colonial Christian ideas about God.
Beckford explores the failure of both African and African Caribbean heritage Churches to Decolonise their faith, especially the doctrine of God, biblical interpretation and Black ontology. This predicament has left song leaders, musicians and songwriters with a reservoir of ideas that aim to disavow engagement with the social-historical world, black Biblical interpretation and the necessity of loving blackness.
This book is decolonisation through praxis. Reflecting on the conceptual social justice album 'The Jamaican Bible Remix' (2017) as a communicative resource, Beckford shows how to develop production tools to inscribe decolonial theological thought onto Black British music(s). The outcome of this process is the creation of a decolonial contemporary gospel music genre. The impact of the album is demonstrated through case studies in national and international contexts.
A critical examination of contemporary gospel music, emphasizing the need to address the realities of African Carribbean communities.
A complementary contribution to studies of contemporary gospel music in the United States and other spaces in the African diaspora
An innovative methodological option for engaging black cultures, through art, aesthetics, expression, politics and theology
Jamaican Bible Remix album can be listened to online, in conjunction with the book
1. Introduction: Jahaziel was Almost Right. The Problem with Black British Gospel Music
2. By the rivers of Birmingham
3. All we doin' is defending: A Postcolonial Black Theology
4. Handsworth Revolution: An Ethnomusicology
5. Black Twang: Is David Starkey Right?
6. Groovement: Theological Tracking and Digital Recording
7. Case Study 1: The Incarnation
8. Case Study 2: Magnificat
9. Conclusion: Towards a Social Gospel Music Genre
Bibliography
Index
Beckford makes a clarion call for social justice to be introduced into the singing repertoire of Black British contemporary gospel music. From the outset, emphasis on sonic qualities is downgraded as a symptom of colonised Christianity. Beckford calls for prioritizing what Black gospel music songs are saying. This interdisciplinary dialogue includes insightful history, theo-musicology, and practical suggestions for confronting colonial legacies and embracing social justice in song. A must-read for all Black British gospel music contributors and commentators!
Beckford, always a controversial writer, advances a searing critique of Black British gospel music. Drawing on perspectives from theology, cultural studies and his own biography, this multi-disciplinary and multi-modal text, which should be read in conjunction with watching the Jamaican Bible Remix album, raises important questions about the colonial legacy of Black Majority churches. You will not fail to be challenged and provoked by this fascinating book.
- Title: Decolonizing Contemporary Gospel Music Through Praxis: Handsworth Revolutions
- Author: Robert Beckford
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
- Print Publication Date: 2023
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781350081765, 9781350081734, 1350081736, 1350081760
- Resource ID: LLS:9781350081765
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-04-09T02:58:31Z
Robert Beckford is Professor of Theology and Culture in the African Diaspora at Canterbury Christ Church University, UK. He has also worked as a BAFTA-winning television presenter, BBC radio broadcaster, and playwright.