The Role of Art: Present—Reclaiming Our Humanity

Sanibonani, molweni nonke…

Wow. This week, I find myself unable to complete even a greeting without feeling the weight of the world pressing against my chest.

A question I am chewing on is this:

What is the role of the artist in all of this chaos?

As bullets continue to fly, bombs continue to drop, and lives continue to be treated as though they do not matter (btw, indeed… you DO matter), I am reminded of Nina Simone’s profound statement:

Okay. Breathe.

This is an opportunity to reflect on yourself, artist.

Remember: what you do is not for the distant hope of a Grammy, an Emmy, or even the EGOT (go you!). You are not here for entertainment alone.

You were created with an ability not many people cultivate—the ability to observe, critique, and respond through art. You are equipped to sit in discomfort in ways many will rarely acknowledge or appreciate. But this is not for self-glorification.

It is to be a catalyst for positive change in your community.

That song that holds a message of hope.

That melody that stirs revolt.

That movement that carries healing.

As the world feels as though it is spiraling into despair, you are needed. Read that again—slowly.

I cannot express how often music—my passionate art form—has saved me from my own internal despair, let alone that of the world!

I can name a few songs where I recognize artists choosing to reflect the times—not for fame, but for connection:

• A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke...can you hear those words resonate with your spirit?

  🎶 "It's been a long, a long time coming, but I know a change gonna come...oh yes it will." 🎶

• Stand Up for Love by Destiny's Child...I can hear the ladies proclaim in that final chorus!

  🎶 "If we all stand together this one time, that no one will get left behind!" 🎶 It gives me chills every time.

• Hero by Mariah Carey... Beyoncé said it well when she said that Mariah has a voice that comes from God, that you can hear the gospel in her voice... and the message is clear, 🎶 "That a hero lies in YOU!" 🎶

• They Don't Care About Us by Michael Jackson... together now... 🎶"All I wanna say is that they don't really care about us!" 🎶

  
  

While these songs speak of hope, justice, and collective struggle, reflecting the times does not always mean being overtly political. Your art about love, lust, grief, relief—ALL OF IT— offers something crucial to our shared existence: The common experience of being human. That reflects the times!

There will never be a moment when being human is not our shared thread. Even with the ever-growing digitization of our lives (hello, AI), humanity remains the constant.

It is this thread that will help us.

Reminding ourselves of our humanity will help us. Read that again.

I implore you, artist—dare to be a positive influence in this world. That idea that visits you before you close your eyes at night—we need it. The ones that interrupt your sleep—we need those too.

Create. Create. CREATE.

And always remember:

Indeed… you do matter.

Now is the season to be bold. To be rebellious in your devotion to truth. To create art that questions, that confronts, that comforts. Help us find answers.

But more importantly, help us see our humanity.

All love,

Dr. Nkululeko Zungu