World Music Day 2024: How music is the ultimate soft force and unifier
On World Music Day, we celebrate music as a universal language that transcends boundaries, generations and cultures. From BTS to Arijit Singh and Taylor Swift, find out how these artists are uniting the world through their tunes.
Ah, World Music Day! June 21, the day when we celebrate the universal language that needs no translation, the magic that is music. It has always been a universal language, but in this generation, it is acting like a magical glue, binding people together across borders, generations and cultures.
Whether it’s through the heart-pounding melodies of K-pop, the soulful renditions of Bollywood songs, or the catchy hooks of pop anthems, music is weaving a fabric of global unity. And let’s face it, in a world that sometimes feels like it’s bursting at the seams, we need all the harmony we can get.
Let’s start with the kings of the global music scene, BTS. These seven talented South Koreans have done more for international relations than most diplomats! BTS’s infectious energy, catchy beats, and meaningful lyrics have gathered a fan base (ARMY) that spans across continents, cultures, and age groups. Their concerts are like UN meetings – without the formal wear and a lot of screaming.
BTS’ music often addresses mental health, self-love, and social issues, which resonates with a generation that is becoming increasingly vocal about such topics. Their influence extends beyond music, with involvement in global campaigns such as UNICEF’s ‘Love Myself’, making them true global citizens.
Now, let’s move on to India, where Arijit Singh’s heart-warming voice has become synonymous with Bollywood romance. Arijit has the uncanny ability to make us feel all kinds of emotions through his songs. From heartbreak songs to romantic ballads, his music is the backdrop to millions of love stories and emotional ups and downs across the country.
Arijit’s concerts are proof of his wide appeal, attracting diverse crowds from different backgrounds. His music transcends linguistic and cultural barriers within India, proving that a beautiful voice and heart-touching lyrics can unite a country as diverse as ours.
Diljit Dosanjh is another great example of the unifying power of music. This Punjabi superstar is not just a singer but also an actor and a style icon. Diljit’s music is a vibrant blend of traditional Punjabi beats and contemporary sounds, making it irresistible to dance to.
Diljit’s charm lies in his ability to keep his roots intact while attracting a global audience. His performances are a riot of colours, energy and joy, bringing people together in celebration of Punjabi culture. Whether you are a native Punjabi speaker or a first-timer grooving to his songs, Diljit’s music is a party for everyone. The ‘Chamkila’ actor recently performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and guess what happened? Everyone listened to it over and over again.
And of course, we can’t talk about modern music without mentioning Taylor Swift. This pop powerhouse has the knack of turning her personal life into chart-topping hits. Taylor’s journey from beloved country singer to global pop icon has been nothing short of spectacular.
Swifties, as her fans are called, are a devoted group, united by their love for her relatable songs and catchy tunes. Taylor’s music bridges the gap between generations, with fans ranging from teenagers to their parents who sing along to ‘Shake It Off’ and ‘Love Story.’
In short, music is more than just entertainment in this generation; it’s soft power at its finest. It’s a cultural diplomat that doesn’t require a visa. When BTS advocates for mental health, they’re influencing the global conversation. When Arijit Singh sings about love and loss, he connects hearts around the world. When Diljit Dosanjh brings Punjabi beats to the mainstream, he shares a part of his culture. And when Taylor Swift releases an album, the world stops and listens.
So, on this World Music Day, let’s celebrate the artists who unite us, one by one. Turn up the volume, sing along and remember: in the grand concert of life, we are all on the front row.
