Polaris Music Prize finalist DijahSB identifies with this book about Black empowerment and liberation
CBC Books | | Posted: August 26, 2021 3:44 PM | Last Updated: August 26, 2021
DijahSB is a finalist for their album Head Above the Waters
Toronto rapper and recording artist DijahSB is on the shortlist for the 2021 Polaris Music Prize with the hip-hop album Head Above the Waters.
The Polaris Music Prize annually celebrates the best Canadian album of the year, awarding the artist $50,000. There are 10 albums on the shortlist. The winner will be announced on Sept. 27, 2021.
Head Above the Waters is a vibrant hip-hop album that uses smooth instrumental beats and deft lyrical wordplay to touch on themes of identity, relationships, economic insecurity and vulnerability.
DijahSB is a Toronto-based rapper who identifies as nonbinary. Their debut album was released in 2020 and was titled 2020 the Album. They recently told CBC Music that their music is "a personal art form; a place for them to bare their most vulnerable feelings while also never forgetting the entertainment aspect of it."
Lately, DijahSB has been reading a classic collection of essays and speeches titled To Die for the People by Huey P. Newton, edited by Toni Morrison. The rapper notes the book is personally empowering and meaningful.
A book about race, class and liberation
"This book highlights the many talking points Huey Newton brought to life through his speeches regarding Black liberation from white supremacy, racism and police brutality. You always hear about the Black Panthers but their ideologies are rarely highlighted. Huey was loud about homophobia in the community and Black capitalism — to me that means he was far ahead of his time seeing as these are still two huge disadvantages in our community.
"He also understood that liberty for Black people meant every oppressed persons had to be liberated as well, and how important solidarity was between different communities.
This book highlights the many talking points Huey Newton brought to life through his speeches regarding Black liberation from white supremacy, racism and police brutality.
"I align myself with his politics because he saw the world for what it is, the exploitation of Africa, the importance of community and creating programs for the marginalized. This book is the checklist you need in order to understand what the revolution shall consist of."
WATCH | CBC Music profiles DijahSB