Reflection – 2019 Grammys Performance
We all know that Prince was Music. He was also Activism, Beauty, Charity, Freedom, Positivity, Power, Sexuality, and Spirituality. Though the Grammys will never be the same without him, one of his exceptional mentees, Ms. Janelle Monáe Robinson, showed the world what Prince taught her and more with her ‘Electric’ performance at the 2019 Grammys. As a person who takes to heart Prince’s Mantra of Real Music by Real Musicians, I was deeply moved by this artist’s commitment to properly ‘taking it to the stage.”
Music, Activism, Beauty, Sexuality
Rising from below the stage, ready to work, smoke, lights, Let’s Go Crazy-esque background synth getting the crowd ready, she gave us what we love, starting with a lil’ Kiss-esque chicken grease on her Daphne Blue Fender Duo-Sonic. What was the Jam, you ask? Make Me Feel, a song Prince contributed to on her Dirty Computer album. The song is funky, it will move you, and shares a celebratory message about love from Monae’s perspective.
We all are also aware that Prince spoke through his music. You knew what time it was on issues that were important to him, if you really listened. I always say that the Slaughter House and Chocolate Invasion albums should be revisited regularly. Even up to the HitnRun albums, the Purple Yoda shared real wisdom on real issues with us, ala songs like Baltimore. In terms of current social issues like #blacklivesmatter his stance was clear.
Monáe has been similarly outspoken on issues that she cares about, like equality for women and the LGBT community. In her performance, she and a team of just fly dancers chanted about that Black Girl Magic and Monáe at one point called out, “let the vagina have a monologue,” a nod to the worldview-changing Vaginal Monologues play which created large-scale conversation about women, sexuality, and the social stigma that accompany rape and abuse (which notably has been cancelled in some locations for excluding women who don’t have vaginas). Her stance in terms of the #metoo movement is clear.
…And the girl is gorgeous. Period. This beautiful brown-skinned queen didn’t become one of the faces of CoverGirl by accident.
No one can do it like Prince do, and do it he did, for decades. He danced, sang, played all the instruments and looked absolutely amazing the whole time. Ms. Robinson brought grown and sexy back to the stage via lyrics and dance moves in a way that has to have made her mentor proud. This fellow KansasCityGirl was sho-nuff proud! :)
Charity, Freedom, Positivity, Power
Monáe regularly describes herself as a free-a** mother*****. Dig. No one was more free than Prince. He helped generations of young people embrace themselves, love themselves as they were. In terms of lifestyle, Monáe has stated she identifies with pansexuality, which, you may recognize, is characterized as sexual desire or attraction that is not limited to people of a particular gender identity or sexual orientation.[1] No limits.
In terms of artistry, she has her own label Wondaland Arts Society, created with Chuck Lightning and Nate Wonder to promote innovative music and art. How often did Prince speak of freedom in the form of owning one’s masters? How often did he introduce us to the best of the modern music world? Remind us to celebrate the best of the vintage music world? Modeling oneself after our beloved PaisleyPark-creating-Genius is not a bad idea. She supports and empowers other artists, as she was supported and empowered by her mentor-predecessors, like Prince, and Stevie Wonder.
Spirituality
I will be honest. I ended up crying while watching. I loved it. She was fantastic. I cried because I felt pride seeing her carry out was important to him and what should be most important to us now. She was polished and professional, powerful, and provocative. I felt that he was with her. His spirit was with her, which drove home the reminder that he’s no longer on this plane of existence. Still hurts. I can imagine it is especially painful for her.
Prince actually was working on the album with me before he passed on to another frequency, and helped me come up with sounds. And I really miss him, you know, it’s hard for me to talk about him. But I do miss him, and his spirit will never leave me – Janelle Monáe[2]
Truly hoping he’s found true peace and that his spirit soars seeing his pupils continue to do The Work.
Much Love 2 u,
Violet
@violetesq
@violetbinteractive
Always on Our Minds ~ Forever in Our Hearts
[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pansexual
[2] BBC Radio 1 Interview