Protest music? Anti-capitalism sells!

Pauwke Berkers and Valerie Knöpker (PhD student at Radboud University) argue that artists must make concessions and cannot possibly escape capitalism if they want to be heard by a wide audience. Sef does just that through sold-out concerts, including with the much-booked band IJsland, which uses hip-hop and punk to oppose fascism, war and capitalism. But he also does so through the sale of merchandise, deals with well-known brands and collaborations with, for example, Mojo, Ticketmaster and Friendly Fire – all of which are part of controversial parent companies.

Berkers says it is not surprising that artists face criticism if they do not appear to act in line with their principles. This is certainly the case if they consciously choose money, whilst having other options available to them. He does, however, emphasise that he does not know what Sef’s motives are for choosing to appear in adverts. According to Berkers, commercial success can also be a stepping stone to independence and a way of reinforcing one’s message.

The picture is contradictory, particularly as hip-hop was once a counter-culture movement. In the past, anti-capitalist artists were often criticised when they achieved commercial success. Berkers cites Rage Against The Machine as an example. But there have also been artists who remained more true to their principles, such as Fugazi and Crass, who released their music independently and kept ticket prices low. However, these bands are also far less well-known. Hence the dilemma.

Knöpker concludes: “As an artist, you can give a voice to people who are also struggling with the system. Music fosters a sense of togetherness. That is also valuable.”