Kahil El’Zabar/Photo: @Fran X for OOH Culture Network
We the people, hear, in a deeper resonance, what has been, what is coming and what it all could be. As I search my feelings and gather my thoughts upon the greater historical significance of the 250-year legacy of what becoming the United States Of America means, I gasp, I weep, I fight for tender moments and the right to protect my soul!
There’s a significant abundance historically in our country across many paths that each of us have discovered to a lesser or greater degree, disproportionately.
Why has America been continually focused on the splendor of the few versus the pillage and persecution of the many? This all drives my search for valid answers to ethical purpose against the continuous backdrop of abundant dark intentions.
During that horrendous moment of the George Floyd murder and the following social justice demonstrations, I composed and arranged a musical treatise for the bitter/sweet commentary, ”America The Beautiful.”
I was attempting to shape a range of emotions and perspectives on the far-flung notions of an African American’s desperate feelings about a hate-infested society, as well as the hopes and aspirations for a future better America, and a better world!
I am at an age now where asking why something is the way it is, is far-far less important than asking how we can fix it, or asking can it be fixed? We are living in a world where avoiding real truth and abundant acquiring to be in control of others is all that matters to the majority of people. As an artist, I have strived to follow the instincts of a loving presence in my work and interactions with others. I’m trying to say something real with purpose that, I hope, gives meaning to life. I want to grab the whole of a bigger dream that conjures substantive possibilities!
Kahil El’Zabar/Photo: @Fran X for OOH Culture Network
I aspire to be and connect with passionate humans, who are not afraid to really be about it. We have the power to envision new horizons collectively felt and realized, and where our hopes are worked into effective manifestations. We all know what’s going on right now, the dark side is running roughshod with a delusional grandeur in ultra-dominance. The policies pushed upon us are from a state of extreme ignorance and cruelty. We have to push back now, in an informed and intelligent manner! For we are being truly tested in order to acquire a supreme endurance toward the higher good. We cannot afford to give up on our attempts at being better, respectful, loving humans, versus these dull-witted smartass life-killers!
“America The Beautiful”; what does it mean in its harshest truths to its highest aspiration? What has it been, where is it going, what could it hope to be? I go quietly against all the noise to find a peaceful place inside myself where I can review and edit all the mess I am bombarded with. I try hard to look others in the eye compassionately to know that we resonate at a higher frequency in spite of the immense intimidation. I quest joy and a child’s laughter beyond the unjust pain and malice degradation. I have been fortunate in my profession to have the opportunity to travel the world extensively. I am a witness to experiencing good people, who are loving, caring and sharing all over the world! The lust-mongers, who are greedy for power and dominion, are actually very small in numbers and in character as well. We cannot allow them to destroy our planet for their selfish intentions. Let’s share courage with one another and bring forth positive transformations, our collective breath—on a mental, physical and spiritual plane—That is the power for a real future!
Kahil El’Zabar is a featured artist at the Silver Room Block Party at the Salt Shed on July 18.
