Black artists should be listened to throughout the entire year, but Black History Month (BHM) is a special time to support these talented musicians. This is especially important in a city like Denver where Black people make up only 9% of the population, making it even more important for their voices to be uplifted.
Black History Month was first officially recognized in 1976 and intends to celebrate the vast contributions and triumphs of Black people throughout the history of the U.S. This month also aims to recognize the adversities Black people have overcome and build momentum to dismantle the systems of oppression rooted in white supremacy.
Black people’s contributions to American society are vast and multifaceted, but their role in the development of the music genres we know today is undeniable. Some would even go so far as to say that every genre as we know it in America was built by African Americans. People commonly associate rap, jazz, R&B, and hip-hop with Black people, but forget that they also played formative roles in the creation of rock n’ roll, country, folk, house, techno, blues, disco and so much more. Despite Black people’s tremendous role in building the music scene in the U.S., they consistently face adversity in the musical sphere and beyond.
One local artist, Saridae, reflected on the discrimination faced by Black people and how this permeates every space they enter, including the music scene. “There’s a level of challenge that exists [for Black artists] whether we’re in artist mode or just existing in human mode, there’s a certain amount of bias that does exist in society that we’re constantly interfacing with,” she said.
Another artist, Elle Green, expressed the challenges of being a Black artist in a country founded on systemic oppression, resulting in the undervaluing of her work and that of Black people in general. “When I put on shows I deal with venues assuming my events would need more security than others. I’ve dealt with people or venues undermining me, overcharging or underpaying me the whole nine years I’ve spent in Denver Music,” Green said.
Elle Green released her first song ‘Black Presence’ on SoundCloud nine years ago and performed for the first time at The Roxy in Denver. Green has since released considerable content across streaming platforms with her sound evolving as the years go by. Her music mixes chill R&B and hip-hop, telling stories through her lyrics and captivating listeners with her inflection and range.
Green reflected that having just one month in the year dedicated to recognizing Black history is limiting and doesn’t reflect the importance of uplifting Black people throughout the rest of the year. “It’s important to uplift Black people, period. Our contributions in general tend to go unrecognized, so I think across the board that should change…It’d be cool if [people] recognized Black Artists regularly and not just during February,” she said.
Saridae produces chill R&B music and engages in community organizing and advocacy work throughout Denver. She believes that art and activism are powerful when used together and said that “art really gets people’s attention. Activism is rooted in needing something to change so with art you’re able to draw people’s attention and once you have their attention [you’re able to] do what you want with it.”
The artist hasn’t released music on streaming platforms but commented that she has been hard at work recording so more music will be released soon. She reflected on the need for people to make a cognizant effort to listen to the voices of Black people, and how this is facilitated through music. “When we’re in a musical space it already feels like people are more susceptible to listening and trying to understand us more so if you want to know more about us, listen to what we have to say, especially through art,” Saridae said.
Jaiel started releasing music early in 2022, mixing the upbeat nature of popular music with soulful R&B vocals and empowering Black women with her lyrics. The artist performed at a house show with other DU bands in September 2023 and transfixed the crowd with her upbeat energy and lyrical creativity.
Nelo is a rapper and community organizer who is one of the executive directors of a local nonprofit, echoing his pursuit of justice in his lyrics that reflect on his personal experiences and the broader state of the world. He has been releasing music on Spotify since 2022, often complimenting his smooth raps with higher female vocals, adding to the depth of his songs.
Listen to a playlist on the DU Clarion Spotify that highlights the blossoming talent of these four artists and seven other local Denver talents.
