For long, it appeared as though the ultimate dream of the fellow African was to migrate to the Occident. With an estimated wealth of $2.5 trillion, one would presume that the African continent has everything to fetch for themselves. Yet, more than 2,000 Africans and counting have died crossing the Red Sea in 2024. Contrary to what the masses would think, this phenomena is shared across the globe, with deadly routes on all Seven Seas being frequented daily by refugees risking their lives majorly from the Global South. Although one was warned throughout multiple occasions in history, perhaps with one of its greatest of predictions being the book “Neo-Colonialism, the Last Stage of Imperialism,” by late Kwame Nkrumah, it seems like the colonized state of mind still hasn’t shaken off its grip on many.
Meanwhile, in response to a growing dominance of liberalism starting in 2019, shortly after the death of George Floyd, in which a lot of positive aspects have bettered societies, but also prompted cancel culture and as some would argue; “caused more harm than good.” In recent years, the western sphere have evidently shifted their worldviews from one extreme to another, and at the tip of it all, as history repeats itself, it is those less fortunate who are directly impacted. What are these worldviews, you may ask? Well, we’re seeing a rise of fascism, with more and more countries from the West hardening their migration policies. However, those are not mere views shared by only politicians, as its citizens have shared the same, if not similar sentiments as well. Popular social media platforms such as Tik-Tok and Twitch have become an outlet to spew hatred and divide people, with malleable users confusing echo chambers for a collective thinking, or perhaps the agreed upon opinion of the masses.
When all hope seems lost, there is a resistance movement that arguably began from the underbelly of Africa, growing at rapid pace to make the continent self-sufficient and at last, terminate the hand of colonization that has, over a protracted period, been at the centre of its turbulence.
In this article, we will look at key figures from the African continent and how it inspires a particular artist from its extended tribe, to combat imperialism with sophistication being at its core.
AES and Its World Influence
In 2023, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) was established between Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, after decades of terrorist attacks and economic dependance by mainly the nation of France. For many neighouring countries, especially the ECOWAS, this felt like a direct threat to their shared values; ensuring mobility, exchange of goods and growth in certain societal aspects. However, reality is far more dull than one cares to admit, where most West African countries since their independence are trapped in a cycle of corruption, a gap in classism and a pretence of democracy.
Someone just had to say enough, and it came from the countries we perhaps least expected, but surely their impact was made to last. So what have they done to be exact, aside from improving the infrastructure of their own economy? The removal of foreign armies, their nations becoming debt-free and condemning foreign industries for decade-long exploitation, while regaining control of their natural wealth.
What for some may seem like small steps towards the right direction, it had an immense impact on the continent, with Senegal and Chad quickly also removing foreign troops from their countries, Ghana granting citizenship to the African diaspora, Botswana taking back control of their diamond supply, Namibia changing their Visa restrictions to foreigners and many more.
Bad Bunny Following Suit
In January 2025, one of the biggest artists coming from Latin America, namely Bad Bunny, released his sixth solo album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” and it shook the music world. Not only did it pay homage to Puerto Rico’s traditional music with track such as “BAILE INoLVIDABLE,“ but also, the Reggaeton self-proclaimed King of Pop clearly made stage for anti-colonization sentiments, pleading in song like “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii” the following lyrics: Thеy want to take my river and my beach too / They want my neighborhood and grandma to leave.
What many people ignore about Puerto Rico is that it is not only a paradise with countless beaches and tropical weather. For many years, known as a tourist attraction lies a dark reality, pushing citizens to leave the island and start a new life in the States. Similar to Europe’s firm grip on the African continent, the island to this day still remains one of US territories. Being self-governed; however having no say in their foreign affairs and defense. Sounds familiar?
To take it even further, Bad Bunny wanted to make sure his bold statement was not under-appreciated, and took it upon himself to publicly declare his stance on the current US regime by announcing his world tour in May 2025 and excluding North America altogether.
The Art of Resistance
To understand the resistance movement currently undertaking actions for the sole purpose of benefiting one’s people, it is important to know that alliances such as the AES or international acts like Bad Bunny are not resisting just a system, but their imperial minds that roam within their yards and neighbourhoods. In this quest of freedom and self-actualization, the idea that they invoke is not of direct combat with the imposing forces and their ideals, but in reinforcing and improving the life of their own so that great minds may persist.
The use of art always played a significant role in personifying a communities’ soul. Whether it is in the motherland, Oceania, or the Caribbean, artists find ways to continue to push a message of resistance, bravely addressing injustices and urging their people to rise against oppression. Most importantly, strengthening a nation’s pride that would hopefully hinder residents to undergo deadly paths into foreign lands and instead, fight to better the livelihoods of their native country
