2025, Vol. 7, Issue 7, Part A

Author(s): Rituparna Chakraborty

Abstract: Music has always been an integral part of culture. Anthropologists have pointed out that music is one of the “universal constants” that all cultures have in common. Music, throughout history, has proven to be a tool for protest, outshining cultural and geo-political boundaries. Artists fetter the emotive power of melodies and lyrics to articulate resistance, challenge social stereotypes and advocate for change. Whether in form of folk or hip-hop music can act as a universal language which can mobilize communities and promote collective consciousness. Music has served several times as a catalyst for social and political movements, empowering individuals to voice protest. The proposed paper seeks to portray how indigenous Australian music has become a powerful tool of protest time and again, voicing resistance against historical injustices. Rooted in cultural traditions, these songs convey powerful messages of struggle against racial, class and gender discriminations imposed on the aboriginals for centuries. At the same time, these songs speak of their ongoing struggle for land rights. The songs are often testaments of their struggle against colonial oppression. From ancient didgeridoo performances to contemporary genres like hip-hop, the artists use their music as a powerful weapon to amplify indigenous voices, challenge societal norms and generate social awareness. This paper seeks to explore the multifaceted role of indigenous Australian music in articulating identity and protest against oppression.

DOI: 10.33545/27068919.2025.v7.i7a.1527

Pages: 01-03 | Views: 71 | Downloads: 30

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