Our top 8 protest songs

Music, like any other art form, is a powerful form of expression, whether it’s about our feelings or our views of the world. It’s therefore deeply intertwined with politics, as the way we’re feeling and living as individuals is deeply influenced by the state of our society.

In light of the recent European election results and the rise of far right wings, we’ve curated a selection of protest songs which give voice to our struggles and which call for a change.

Remember that each of our voices matter and when they’re brought together, they have enough momentum and strength to lead us to a better world.

1. RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE - KILLING IN THE NAME (1992)

Is there a better song than this one to introduce our selection? With Morello's heavy guitar riffs and de la Rocha's fiery delivery, "Killing In The Name" is a classic protest song criticizing police brutality, inspired by the beating of Rodney King and the riots that followed. The more the track progresses, the more it gains intensity, culminating in the mantra-like 'Fuck you I won't do what you tell me'. And it is unfortunately still relevant today.

2. BURNA BOY - COLLATERAL DAMAGE (2012)

Burna Boy may be known for his vibey afro-beats songs, but those who paid closer attention to his discography already realized how vocal he is about the political and societal issues of his country. "Collateral Damage" applies to this criteria, as he points out the corruption of the Nigerian government, whose representatives live the high life while the people are starving and barely have access to proper health services: 

"Collateral Damage" isn't a fatalistic track though, as it ends with a reminder, an urge even, for the people to fight for their rights.

3. MARINA - SEX YEAH! (2012)

Let's take a look on the pop music scene with Marina, formerly known as Marina and The Diamonds. In "Sex Yeah!", she tackles the omnipresence of sex in nowadays' culture and media, which reinforces the discrimination attached to traditional gender roles. And yes, this doesn't apply only to women, but every human being.
Because it's well known that sex sells, right?

4. BOB DYLAN - MASTERS OF WAR (1963)

For the fourth track, we went back in time to pick another protest song classic, made by Bob Dylan in the context of the Vietnam War. "Masters of War" is a real pacifist anthem, where the artist sings about the real « masters » who orchestrate wars without suffering from any consequence, while the people are risking their lives and their worlds are being sacrificed.

5. BROCKHAMPTON - FIGHT (2017)

We thought this selection lacked some rap and we immediately thought of the no-longer active band Brockhampton. In "Fight", the members tackle the discriminating representation of black people and how it will affect them throughout their whole lives. Negatively, yes, but it also gives them the strength and resilience needed to defy the limitations imposed on them and fight back, achieving success no matter the odds against them.

6. MASHROU' LEILA - WA NUEID (2013)

After a quick trip to Nigeria, we’re traveling to Lebanon with the rock group Mashrou’ Leïla. "Wa Nueid" was made in the context of the Arab spring, a series of uprisings where citizens rebelled against their corrupted governments. And this track is perfect to give courage to the peoples, because despite the humiliation, the pain and the hunger, they will keep on fighting and believing in a better future.

7. ODDISEE - YOU GREW UP (2017)

The penultimate is from an underrated rap artist, Oddisee. "You Grew Up" is a compilation of invented stories telling the evolution of people like you and us, who choose a twisted and darker path because of their upbringing or environment. No one is born with hatred, but it grows inside in reaction to ill treatment or unhealthy education. 

8. THE CRANBERRIES - ZOMBIE (1994)

Last but not least, "Zombie" by The Cranberries is the perfect classic to close this selection. This song talks about the violence during the raging conflict that took place in Northern Ireland between the nationalists and unionists, period also called The Troubles. The shouted vocals and distorted guitar sounds contribute to creating a moving and upsetting atmosphere, fitting for the topic of the song. 

Remember: music is a powerful tool to move us and to make us aware of the issues in our world, and we are thankful for those who have spoken up and those who will continue to do so. And if you want to discover more protest songs, check our playlist below.

Photo credit: Oladimeji Odunsi

When dem say, "Make we jump", we go jump
Some people go somersault
Dem get headache we go drink Panadol
Meanwhile president go dey chop
And Governor go dey chop

You put a gun in my hand
And you hide from my eyes
And you turn and run farther
When the fast bullets fly

We can shake our cage that we became until it falls
Tell me what are we are afraid of?
We can resist until the nightmare we fought ends
Tell them we are still standing

You ever have a friend that became a fanatic
Most of you all haven't
But if you ever did
You'd understand the one thing they all have in common
That somebody took advantage of their damage as a kid