Afrofuturism is…
Detroit, often overlooked as the birthplace of techno music, offers a unique lens through which we can explore the powerful role of sound in Afrofuturism. As I continue to develop my forthcoming exhibition on techno in the city, I’m hoping to introduce people MSU Museum visitors to a sonic world more complex than they realize. For me, an engagement with techno in Detroit is a vital conduit to understand Afrofuturist expression and worldbuilding.
Afrofuturism, a cultural and artistic movement, merges elements of African diaspora culture with futuristic visions, often incorporating sound as a central theme. Sound serves not just as a medium for music but as a technology for storytelling and cultural transmission. In the words of sound theorist Erik Steinskog, it facilitates "multimedial transmission" that allows black individuals to project their experiences and hopes across generations, offering a mode of resistance and reimagination.
Detroit techno emerged in the mid-1980s, a period marked by significant industrial and social shifts. Artists like Derrick May, Carl Craig, and collectives such as Drexciya and Underground Resistance didn't just create music; they captured the essence of Detroit's transformation from a bustling industrial hub to a city grappling with the impacts of deindustrialization and the information revolution. Their music reflected the city's changing landscapes, serving as a sonic document of the challenges faced during these transitions.
With its repetitive yet innovative beats, Techno became a symbol of the future, echoing the themes of Afrofuturism. It represented a technological advancement in music production and an innovative way of reflecting on and responding to socioeconomic changes from a black perspective. The genre's ability to infuse elements of the past—echoes of African rhythms and narratives—with futuristic sounds made it a natural ally of Afrofuturism.
This exhibition is not just about tracing the historical origins of a music genre; it's an experiential journey into how sound can manifest as a powerful tool for cultural expression and change. By focusing on Detroit's contribution to techno and its Afrofuturist roots, visitors will gain insight into how soundscapes can create communal archives and foster a deeper understanding of black experiences and identities. Detroit's story thus reminds us of the enduring power of sound in shaping cultural and futuristic narratives, making it an essential pilgrimage site for anyone interested in the intersections of music, technology, and black culture.
