Reggae and Politics! Yes, we are children of activism!

Unfortunately, for a large part of young people, talking about politics is a waste of time. But is turning your back on the reality our country faces a dignified attitude for a Brazilian? Social inequalities, hunger, infant mortality, lack of housing, basic sanitation, health and quality education are there. Another president was elected. And, speaking as a young person, what leaves us discouraged is questioning: Will it make a difference?

Out of respect for my country and thinking about my future, I dare to discuss and act politically because I know the changes Brazil needs also depend on me as a citizen, because the strong soul of a militant is not present at businessmen's tables or bourgeois dinners. Music carries militancy and the sense of denunciation more than any other form of expression. Bob Marley was the greatest musician-militant in the Americas.

Songs like "War", "I Shot the Sheriff" and "Get up Stand Up" were the most influential denunciations for the 1976 Jamaican elections to promote the changes the people needed. The greatest idol of reggae is the only artist in the history of the Americas who is respected and acclaimed worldwide, from when he was alive until today, and, as could not be otherwise, was persecuted for expressing his libertarian thinking.

He even suffered a shooting attack at his home and therefore exiled himself in London where he sponsored reggae across Europe and made it conquer the world. Another important militant, also through reggae, was Hugh Mundell. In 1978 he recorded the album "Africa Must Be Free By 1983" fighting for Africa's emancipation. But, coincidentally in the same year of emancipation, at the peak of his 21 years, he was shot and killed after a trivial argument about a refrigerator, leaving us the idea that he would have fought and sung more if there had been time.

Seeing the countless inequalities and not nullifying yourself or staying silent before them is the first attitude of someone who is not conformist, is ready to fight for change and run the risks of being persecuted for their ideas. That is why when I start to get discouraged, questioning whether the new president will be better or at least different, I respect the many who have already fought through music and demonstrations, and remember that we also make a difference.