Hey Theresa May, where’s the funding for Grenfell?” questioned south London MC Stormzy at the Brit Awards 2018, making a bold statement in the music world. He criticized the Prime Minister for the lack of support in refurbishing the West London tower that tragically claimed 72 lives in a 2017 fire. Stormzy, a 25-year-old pop star, used his public platform to demand accountability, suggesting that those responsible should face consequences, even proposing burning down their houses.
2018 marked a significant shift in the music industry, where artists addressing political issues gained prominence. The notion that “all art is political” became more evident. Notably, Donald Trump faced criticism from major artists over the US-Mexico border situation, and Taylor Swift broke her political silence by endorsing a Democrat.
Closer to home, the hashtag #DisinviteTMKrishna went viral after SPICMACAY announced Carnatic musician TM Krishna’s performance in Delhi. Criticism arose over Krishna’s inclusive approach in his music and perspective on Indian politics, leading to accusations of being “anti-India” and an “urban Naxal.” The concert’s cancellation by SPICMACAY, citing sponsorship withdrawal, resulted in the Delhi government organizing the event at the Garden of Five Senses.
#MeToo made waves in the Indian music industry as allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced. Artists like Ali Zafar, Kailash Kher, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, and others faced accusations, shedding light on the pervasive issue within the industry.
Dancer Amala Shankar celebrated her 100th year in June, highlighting her significant role in disseminating the legacy of her partner, Uday Shankar, despite living in his shadow. The passing of Annapurna Devi, an iconic surbahar player and daughter of Ut Allauddin Khan, marked the end of an era in classical music.
The year 2018 also witnessed a flood of remixes in the music market, with songs like “Ek do teen” (Baaghi 2), “Dilbar” (Satyamev Jayate), and “Chalte chalte” (Mitron) dominating. These remixes sparked debates on consent, with Lata Mangeshkar emphasizing the importance of seeking permission from original creators before revamping their melodies. The hope is that such issues will be addressed more responsibly in the future.