Jordan Mackampa’s inspiring “Battlecry” is an evocative and catchy anthem with a resounding message of justice, unity, and the promise of a better tomorrow.
— —
There’s something deeply compelling about Jordan Mackampa’s new “Battlecry” video: An acoustic anthem of epic proportions, the evocative and catchy performance awakens our sleeping spirits, pushing us to go beyond our limits and inspiring us to stand up for what we believe in. Music can have no higher cause.
I won’t stay silent
Even without air in my lungs
I’ll stand my ground
And I won’t run from the guns
Watch: “Battlecry” – Jordan Mackampa
Atwood Magazine is proud to be premiering the live music video for “Battlecry,” taken from Jordan Mackampa’s upcoming third EP Live From The Grand Cru. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, raised in London and based now in Coventry, singer/songwriter Jordan Mackampa wears many identities and balances them well through his infectiously moving lines and warm, spine-tingling tones. Originally off his 2017 sophomore EP Tales from the Broken, “Battlecry” is a passionate, soulfully driven piece that uses mere vocals and a guitar to instill courage and strength in its audience.
Lyrically reminiscent of everyone’s favorite freedom chant – the Les Mis classic “Do You Hear The People Sing?” – Jordan Mackampa’s tune builds up from a naked solo whisper into a layered roar. Dynamic and easy-going, the anthem invites us all to join together in the commencement of a new era of unity: We are reminded, through Mackampa’s stirring poetry, that people march louder than drums.
Can you hear the people marching
louder than the drums?
Can you hear the people coming
louder than the drums?
Can you hear the people marching
louder than the drums?
Can you hear the people coming?
There’s a war to be formed
We must stand and fight
‘Cause time is of the essence
And freedom on our side
“The ‘Battlecry’ video reflects the sentiment, that no matter how your message is being delivered, be it just a guitar, upright bass & a few vocals, if the passion behind your message is still as powerful as it was before, it will still send the same effect,” Mackampa shares. “‘Battlecry’ is a reflection of the times: It’s about standing up for what you believe in, refusing to be silenced and coming together. It was written to make people feel powerful in the face of adversity, comforted in times of isolation, and brave in the face of change.”
It’s about standing up for what you believe in, refusing to be silenced and coming together.
2017 was, with all due respect, a pretty f*cked up year. Many of the world’s Western nations found themselves torn by the growing tide of extreme populist movements: We felt it vividly in the United States and the United Kingdom, not to mention in France, Germany and The Netherlands. People are gathering for what they believe in, going beyond the social media click to physically join movements and causes. This goes for those driven by fear and antipathy, racism and bigotry, as well as for those propelled by human rights and civil liberties. Everywhere, folks are expressing their voices. It’s been an active year, no matter where you are or what you believe.
There is truly no more fitting a time for the rise of such powerful a song as “Battlecry” to keep us motivated; to reaffirm the fight against adversity of all kinds. Sexism; racism; prejudice and bigotry; these belief systems have no place in the world I believe in. Mackampa sings, “There’s a war to be formed; we must stand and fight, ’cause time is of the essence and freedom is on our side.” Hatred is a potent weapon, backed by money and fueled by power (why does this feel like a Star Wars quote?!). It’s hard to keep shouting into the face of darkness; it’s easy to sit down and fend for ourselves, to be idle to oppressive forces when the oppression isn’t our own.
Mackampa reminds us that, while the path is long and arduous, our cause is right. “Battlecry” is our marching anthem; our standing orders; our constant call to action. Stream Mackampa’s performance exclusively on Atwood Magazine, and look out for his new EP Live From The Grand Cru, out soon!
— — — —
Connect to Jordan Mackampa on
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Discover new music on Atwood Magazine
photo © 2017
