Arts & activism: Every human has ‘a right and responsibility’ to use their voice and inspire change

As the legendary Nigerian artist Fela Kuti once declared, “Music is our weapon,” we again stand at the crossroads of artistry and politics, as war rages in the Middle East. For centuries, even millennia, resistance to oppression and injustice has found its voice in poetry, literature, and the arts. Our guest, veteran music industry executive Robert Singerman, has long championed the right of artists to express themselves fully, including politically. Yet, as he notes, such messages may resonate deeply in some communities while being rejected in others, particularly in this era of rising polarisation. Mr. Singerman warns that “the addiction to our phones and algorithms has created [further] polarisation. Now, more than ever, he believes actors, artists, and filmmakers hold both the power and the responsibility to “effect change for the better.” With nearly half a century of experience managing some of the world’s most iconic artists, Robert Singerman now serves as Senior Vice President of LyricFind.