The group was founded in 1969 by Russell Knighton at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the group was called the Macalester College Black Voices. It was in 1971 when current director Gary Hines took leadership over the ensemble, and the group name was officially changed to Sounds of Blackness.
The chief lead singer of the group was Ann Nesby until 1995 when Nesby left the group to pursue a solo career. The group continues to perform internationally. The group performed the original songs for the 1999 Disney animated short John Henry (based on the folklore character) as part of Disney's American Legends, the short was re-released in 2015 as part of the Walt Disney Animation Studios Short Films Collection. The original songs were written by Gary Hines and Billy Steele, with a score by Stephen James Taylor
The group has received three Grammy Awards, four Stellar Awards, one Emmy nomination, the International Time for Peace Award, the International Dance Music Award, five NAACP Image Award nominations and 1 NAACP Image Award.
Sounds of Blackness's "Time For Love" was nominated for the 7th Annual Independent Music Awards for R&B Song of the year.
Africana
Sounds Of Blackness Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But the very essence of our existence, is...
spirit.
What is it about the human spirit that produces the
courage, and the strength to beat insurmountable odds?
To survive and endure despite unbelievable circumstances.
Our spirit embodies the very Essence of our existence.
We believe that it has been handed down from generation to generation.
Wherefor 'eyonds,
we believe that The Creator heard us when we cried,
saw us when we faltered and helped us along the way.
And now more than ever,
It is time for us to get back in touch
with the spirit that lives inside us all.
Because without it, we are less than whole,
but with it there is nothing that we cannot
overcome, for the essence of our existence is...
spirit.
The lyrics of "Africana" by Sounds of Blackness is an ode to the African spirit, which empowers the Black community with the courage to overcome adversity. The song begins with a mention of the physical and mental aspects of human existence but emphasizes that the true essence of our being lies in our spirit. The lyrics question what makes the human spirit so powerful that it can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and still prevail. The answer lies in the African spirit, which embodies the strength passed down from generation to generation, starting from the Motherland - Africa.
The lyrics suggest that the African spirit is a product of the Creator, who listens to the cries of his people and helps them along the way. The song urges the Black community to reconnect with their spirit and embrace it fully, as it is the very essence of their existence. The song suggests that by reconnecting with their roots, Black people can once again feel whole and empowered to overcome any obstacle in their path.
Overall, "Africana" is a song that celebrates the power of the African spirit and encourages Black people to embrace it in their lives. It is a call to remember one's roots and draw strength from the culture that has sustained the African diaspora for centuries.
Line by Line Meaning
Heart and soul, body and mind;
Our whole being, both physically and emotionally, is invested in our existence.
But the very essence of our existence, is... spirit.
Above all else, the core of our existence is the intangible quality that drives us forward: our spirit.
What is it about the human spirit that produces the courage, and the strength to beat insurmountable odds?
What about our spirit enables us to find the bravery and fortitude we need to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles?
To survive and endure despite unbelievable circumstances.
Despite facing unimaginable adversity, our spirit allows us to not only survive, but to thrive.
Our spirit embodies the very Essence of our existence.
The intangible quality of our spirit is fundamental to our being and being alive.
We believe that it has been handed down from generation to generation.
We have faith that this quality has been passed down to us through our ancestry.
Beginning in Africa, the Motherland.
Our roots and the inception of our spirit began in Africa, referred to as the Motherland.
Wherefor 'eyonds,
Beyond the limits of our current reality,
we believe that The Creator heard us when we cried, saw us when we faltered and helped us along the way.
We have faith that a divine force heard and saw us through our difficult times, and provided assistance.
And now more than ever,
In our current times,
It is time for us to get back in touch with the spirit that lives inside us all.
We need to tap back into our innate sense of spirit that exists in each of us.
Because without it, we are less than whole,
If we neglect our spirit, we are incomplete,
but with it there is nothing that we cannot overcome, for the essence of our existence is... spirit.
However, when we embrace our spirit, there is no obstacle too great for us, because it is the foundation of our being and existence.
Writer(s): SEACER LEVI, HINES GARY DENNIS, COTTON CORE S, STEELE BILLY ODELL
Contributed by Camilla C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
HSSU Camera Club
on Black Butterfly
Black Butterfly by Sounds of Blackness
Chorus
Black Butterfly, you can do most anything your heart desires
Freedom comes with understanding who you are
Its time to reclaim your place among the stars
Spread your wings and fly
Awakening the genius has been asleep too long
A people with a beauty rich and strong
A heritage that rates second to none
Original, your qualities, don’t change them to fit in
Now that you’re on top just keep rising
Experience new life, be born again.
Chorus
What’s going on?
To not reveal unless we choose to see
Has generations lost in history
To hide our culture and identity
Keep your pride
You can’t be another color butterfly
So when you shine, let everybody see your light
Cuz you know out of sight means out of mind