Hella Solutions blog: "Document. Share. Inspire."

Music is always an important element in helping to set mood and add contextualization in all audio documentaries but I feel like the music is an especially crucial component in this project. I have three proposed modules which will cover Atlanta, South Africa and then a more ‘abstract’ theoretical analysis of global organizing and I’m trying to fit music to each. My goal is to use the music to associate ‘place’ in each module. While in South Africa I picked up a bunch of discs that nail the sound I’m looking for and it’s called Kwaito. Kwaito is a unique South African blend of house beats, hip hop and South African Culture. It’s a contagious music, lively, youthful, positive and often incorporates social messages through its lyrics. And it also gives me a way to connect “South Africa” with “Atlanta” through shared beats and rhythms while each remains unique. Somewhat of a metaphor, I guess you could say, for the connection of African-Americans and Africans.

Atlanta is often known for its hip-hop, soul and a few ‘folk’ artists. Obviously some big name people like Ray Charles are honored here but I’m looking for slightly more obscure and lesser known groups (i.e. even more so than India Arie – an Atlanta native – although she has actually performed some benefit shows for SisterLove in the past). Anyway, I was introduced to three local ATL groups by an eccletically-knowledgable-music-phile Brother over at Criminal Records in Little Five Points (L5P is one of the most diverse and funky-cool areas in Atlanta…and where I used to live but I digress). The three somewhat disparate discs are: Doria Roberts – a songstress in the vein of Ani DeFranco, Alanis Morissette and with some Laryn Hill tossed in; Donnie – soul with a serious conscious; and Minamina Goodsong – a hip-hop band with old school chops, crazy themes like some old De La Sol and humorous.

I’m happy to say that I think I’m set in-so-far as my ATL music goes…I was a bit worried. Thanks again CR!