Jürgen Becker: Music as a key to social movements in Lennep!

Jürgen Becker: Music as a key to social movements in Lennep!

Music is more than just a form of entertainment; it has the potential to transform societies and mobilize political movements. The well-known cabaret artist and television presenter Jürgen Becker shares this view. In a discussion event, he looked at the role of music in social and political movements and noted that the success of many movements is closely linked to their musical accompaniment. Becker is convinced that the Fridays for Future movement failed, not because of its message, but because it lacked the right soundtrack. He remembers a rally in Cologne where no band played, which greatly affected the atmosphere. Becker concludes that music and artists are crucial when it comes to mobilizing emotions and uniting people. In the past, it became clear how important music was as a tool for spreading ideas. The Wissen explains that music has historically played a significant role in political struggles, be it during the American civil rights movement or the anti-apartheid struggle.

“Music is what brings us together,” says Becker. He refers to Joseph Beuys, who once said that you can only change the world through art. Becker, who at the age of 65 also became known as a co-founder of the Cologne Stunksession, emphasizes that songs like the “Marseillaise” are not just seen as songs, but as powerful symbols of freedom and unity. Memories of his first concert with Santana show how formative musical experiences can be. “A pop song hits the memory and has a completely different effect than a political speech,” says Becker, underscoring the unique power of music to mobilize the masses.

The planned disco in the monastery church

Becker is also planning an event called “Deine Disco”, where he will play as a disc jockey in the monastery church. The event is intended not only to provide entertainment, but also to be a place where people come together to dance and experience community. He has put together a playlist that contains the best pieces of music from different genres. Becker himself admits that it is difficult for him to decide on a favorite genre and describes that he tends to create an exuberant atmosphere when there are already a lot of people on the dance floor.

How important music is in political and social movements is also shown in the analysis of the role of music in our society. Even in ancient times, music played a central role in religious and social rites. These developments have meant that music can not only entertain, but also educate and mobilize, as the lied meaning shows. In all eras, music has always been a reflection of social and political conditions.

In a world where digitalization has revolutionized music listening, the question remains: How do we use music in our social and political struggles today? Becker makes it clear that the possibilities are even more extensive than ever. Music not only offers elements of identity, but also emotional support, which is crucial for numerous movements. So the hope remains that future movements will find the right sound that reinforces their meaning and reinforces their messages.