For many years man has struggled against oppression and hardship. As we look back through history, we look out over a map that has charted the rise and fall of governments, the globalization of nations, and new economic powers emerging, often at the cost of indigenous people. Suffering is something that cannot be avoided, no matter how far we have advance- economically or socially. Across different nations and societies, there has always been a powerful symbol of expression. One that has the potential to unite us all, regardless of our ethnicity, it can be understood no matter what language you speak, or what part of the world you come from.

Music has created the soundtrack to our lives. Whether rich or poor, it has been a tool that people the world over have used to express emotion, or to spread a political message. It is as natural as breathing, or the sunrise. Nature itself creates rhythms, it is a force that is unstoppable, and all the more beautiful because it can capture emotion in its notes. It is as diverse as the people that create it, and its power is something that we have been expressing for civilizations, in times of war and peace.

People for centuries have using been music not only to create something beautiful and unique, but as a way of expressing a political opinion or a form of protest, against racism, oppressive regimes, or social injustice. The condition of human experience, has a direct link to the type of music produced. In the sixties African American artists were calling for social change, and greater equality of rights, shown in music that was being produced, by artists such as James Brown. In the seventies, as well as being one of the most influential singer songwriters of our time, Bob Marley, was a vocal advocate of black power, and called for peace in his songs, at a time when there was violent struggle and upheaval in the Jamaican political system. The music that was being produced, was as important a part of the movement, as the political speeches and changes that were taking place at the time.

Music is such a powerful force, that governments the world over, often ban music that portrays them in a light that goes against the propaganda spin that they portray. In staunchly communist North Korea, the singer Ji Hae Nam was imprisoned for three years, and tortured for singing a song that was South Korean. All music in North Korea must be government approved, and singing the praises of communism, or it is deemed unpatriotic and punished.

The long, ongoing struggle in Tibet, for recognition of indigenous rights of its people, has produced some powerful and evocative musical results. With most forms of freedom of expression suppressed by the Chinese authorities, music remains a powerful symbol of solidarity and unity. In Tibetan society, music plays an important role, because other forms of communication are so tightly regulated. To the extent, that people embarking from international flights, have the content of any CD’s checked by the authorities as they arrive. Therefore the presence of music as a form of resistance, continues to be a vital step in what the Dalai Lama advocates as ‘non violent’ resistance.

There are some inspiring examples across the world of people using music as a tool, not only for peaceful protest, but also as a way of bringing together societies that are fractured. Radio all for peace, is one such example, a jointly run Palestinian and Israeli radio show. Its aims, are to create positive working relationships between the two sides, thereby promoting harmony, and trust. Through the use of interviews, jointly run projects, and discussion of common interests they aim to break the stereotypes that each side has of each other, and open up honest and frank dialogue. In such a politically divided part of the world, the importance of projects such as these cannot be underestimated, as no damaged relationships can be start to be repaired without open communication. Of course there is a long way to go, but examples such as these truly inspire hope.

Make Music Not War, is another online based organisation that uses music as a tool for interracial dialogue, to show the injustice of oppressive regimes to the outside world. Their view is that music is a universal tool for truth and hope, that speaks across all cultures and faiths. The diversity of music from all different corners of the world, reflects these attitudes.

The regime of President Mugabe has achieved many things. Hyperinflation, mass unemployment, the erosion of human rights, starvation of millions of Zimbabweans, the list goes on.. As journalists, and anyone who criticises the regime, are banned from Zimbabwe, people are taking matters into their own hands. Viomak, a UK based Zimbabwean protest singer, has just taken action one step further, by launching an online, protest radio. The message is clear, if the opinions of people are stifled, they will find another way to make their voice heard. With a potential audience of the whole world, online radio provides a perfect platform, for this. In between songs, political speeches and opinions are aired, making this project a perfect combination of song, and political dialogue.

Music has been, and always will be, a powerful indicator of the strength and enduring nature of the human spirit. When human rights are violated, and people are denied the right to live in a free and just society, then music will always be a peaceful form of resistance. Because music can convey emotion, and contemplation in its lyrics, its use is not just something that is aurally beautiful to listen to. It can be a powerful political tool also. We must encourage forward thinking projects, that use music, as a way of creating social cohesion, for the benefit of our society, and also the world beyond our window.