Last night my wife and I went to see Angelique Kidjo at the Haus der Kulturen die Welt in Berlin. It was a surprise date I organized for my wife, and a much needed break from the hectic clatter and chaos of raising three young kids. Angelique Kidjo was absolutely amazing. Her music deals with the difficult conditions humans face, and the problems humanity as a whole has created. Yet with those heavy subjects, she infuses her music with a positivity and optimism that is infectious. For every problem there is a solution humans can build together.
I firmly subscribe to the e/acc movement, and last night was a great reminder that there is another component of e/acc we don’t talk enough about. While e/acc is centered around technological progress, we must never lose sight of the sociological progress of humanity. We can invent our way out of many problems and at the same time love and respect one another. Right now there is a lot of division in the world. Technology will bring lots of people out of poverty and improve conditions for all, but let’s not forget that while we progress economically, we must progress spiritually and improve the kinship between us. It is inspiring to remember that technology is our future, but it’s only a means to an end. The end is a thriving human species, built around mutual respect and admiration. We all breath the same air, there is only one humanity.
I recommend listening to her tiny desk concert below.