Decolonizing Contemporary Gospel Music Through Praxis: Handsworth Revolutions

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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.

Reviews

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! * Dr Dulcie Dixon McKenzie, Director, Centre for Black Theology, UK *
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. * Pauline Muir, Lecturer in Arts Management, University of London, UK *

Author Bio

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.