Growing up in Sierra Leone, Sunday mornings often resonated with the melodies of Jim Reeves, Dolly Parton, and other renowned country music stars. Surprisingly, country music boasts a significant fanbase in Africa, its lyrics often echoing tales of hardship, sadness, and everyday struggles that resonate deeply with Black people worldwide. However, my appreciation for the genre waned upon learning about its association with “rednecks” in America, a term often intertwined with racism.
The recent controversy surrounding an Oklahoma country music station’s refusal to play Beyoncé’s new song, “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,” underlines the racial tensions within the genre. This incident reflects a broader issue of exclusion and erasure faced by Black artists and fans within country music, despite their significant contributions to its origins.
Country music traces its roots back to African slaves, who brought with them the banjo, a quintessential instrument in the genre’s evolution. Yet, the industry has whitewashed its history, segregating Black artists into genres like blues and gospel while marketing country music as inherently white.
Beyoncé’s foray into country music with “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” is a powerful statement reclaiming the genre’s Black roots. This isn’t the first time Black artists have faced pushback; Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” and Beyoncé’s collaboration with the Dixie Chicks drew similar criticism. The industry’s gatekeepers, predominantly white, have often resisted Black artists’ presence in country music, perpetuating a narrative of exclusivity.
The truth is, Black people have always been integral to the fabric of country music. From the banjo’s African origins to collaborations during the Jim Crow era, Black musicians have shaped the genre’s sound and storytelling. Figures like Charley Pride and Tracy Chapman have defied racial barriers to make significant contributions to country music, yet their achievements remain overshadowed by a narrative of whiteness.
The erasure of Black contributions to country music perpetuates harmful stereotypes and denies artists their rightful place in its history. It’s time to challenge the notion that country music belongs exclusively to white America. Beyoncé’s bold move serves as a rallying cry for reclaiming a space that has been ours from the beginning. We must acknowledge and celebrate the genre’s diverse roots. It’s not just about music; it’s about rewriting a narrative that has long marginalized Black voices. Country music belongs to all who find solace and strength in its melodies, regardless of race or background.