Introduction:
Music has long been an avenue for profound social commentary, a platform upon which artists lay bare the thoughts and feelings that both plague and elevate societies. British rapper, poet, and journalist Kingslee James Daley, better known by his stage name Akala, crafts his 2010 single “Find No Enemy” to address issues ranging from racial identity, historical narratives, socio-economic struggles, and the yearning for a universal human connection that transcends such divisions. This essay conducts a rhetorical analysis of Akala’s “Find No Enemy,” highlighting how the artist employs ethos, pathos, and logos, complemented by his masterful use of literary devices, to present a compelling argument against the backdrop of systemic issues and personal introspection.
Ethos – Establishing Credibility:
Akala’s credibility, or ethos, is an amalgamation of his cultural heritage, educational background, and social activism. His mixed Scottish and Jamaican descent places him at the crossroads of cultural dialogues, which gives him a personal stake in discussions about race and identity. Furthermore, Akala is not just a musician but an intellectual, demonstrated through his founding of the Hip-hop Shakespeare Company, which underscores his deep understanding of literary techniques. He draws from this well of knowledge to craft lyrics that resonate with literary sophistication while maintaining the raw edge of hip-hop authenticity.
In “Find No Enemy,” Akala reflects upon his personal experiences, effectively establishing a rapport with his audience. He speaks of his relatives, his childhood, and his navigation through the mazes of systemic racial stereotypes. This personal approach not only humanizes the artist but also reinforces his authority to discuss the matters at hand. By sharing his vulnerabilities and realizations, he brings down the barriers that often separate the speaker from the audience, rendering his message more relatable and powerful.
Pathos – Evoking Emotion:
The song is a journey through the emotional landscape of someone struggling to reconcile their identity with the societal challenges they face. Akala uses pathos to evoke a spectrum of emotions, from the frustration and anger stemming from injustice and prejudice, to the sorrow of loss, and the hope for understanding and peace.
“Apparently, I’m second-class ‘cause the status I lack,” Akala narrates, speaking to the discrimination he perceives in society. This line strikes a chord with those who feel marginalized, invoking a sense of empathy among listeners who can relate to being judged by superficial standards. Akala also addresses the broader human condition, pondering on the reasons behind war and suffering, which transcends personal narrative and appeals to the universal emotions that connect all people.
His vivid storytelling is drenched in emotional nuances, painting pictures of the landscapes he’s walked and the histories he’s witnessed. The pathos in his lyrics is further magnified by the haunting melodies and the soulful beats that accompany his rap, creating a powerful emotional experience for the listener.
Logos – The Logic of Argument:
Even as Akala delves into emotion, he does not forsake logos – the appeal to logic. His lyrics are structured to form a coherent argument, tackling the logical fallacies of racism and social division. He cites historical facts, references literary works, and calls out the contradictions in the society’s narratives about race and violence.
For instance, Akala deconstructs the notion of inherent racial violence with the lines, “Read Natives and ponder if it’s them or us that savages.” This encourages the audience to reassess preconceived notions by considering historical colonial violence against the indigenous peoples – a logical appeal that fosters critical thinking. He points to the complexity and interconnectedness of human stories, highlighting the absurdity of simple us-versus-them dichotomies.
His reference to complex social issues such as the conditions in “the Congo or the Ivory Coast” and juxtaposition with the personal – “because my passport says I’m British” – builds a logical case for seeing beyond the arbitrary lines that divide and dehumanize.
Literary Devices – Enhancing the Rhetoric:
Akala’s arsenal includes an array of literary devices that not only enhance the beauty of his lyrics but serve to strengthen his rhetorical appeals. He utilizes metaphor, alliteration, simile, and personification, among others, to drive his points home.
One notable example is the extended metaphor of sight and vision that runs throughout the song: “I can’t see a way forward from this darkness,” or “our vision’s been blocked by the powers.” Such metaphors capture the theme of societal blindness to injustice and the artist’s quest for enlightenment. The repetition of visual metaphors creates a motif that reinforces the theme of seeking truth beyond the visible and the known.
Alliteration like “flag and a fraction” and assonance in lines such as “breath is bated from the blood bath to come” lend a musical quality to his rhetoric that makes the message more memorable. These sonic techniques serve as the vessel carrying the weight of the words, ensuring they leave an indelible mark on the listener’s mind.
Conclusion:
Akala’s “Find No Enemy” is a testament to the power of music as a rhetorical tool. It is a multidimensional composition that employs ethos to establish a trustworthy speaker, pathos to connect deeply with the audience on an emotional level, and logos to engage the audience’s capacity for reason. The song becomes a medium for education, enlightenment, and empathy, urging a reevaluation of preconceptions and promoting a message of universal humanity.
The rhetorical genius of Akala is not just in his ability to argue logically, emotionally, or credibly; it is in his capacity to blend all three seamlessly into a single narrative. “Find No Enemy” is not merely a song; it is a narrative, a lesson, and a call to action that speaks to both the mind and the heart. In his articulation of complex and painful truths, Akala invites the listener to confront uncomfortable realities and ignites a spark that can lead to transformation and understanding.
This song stands as an invitation to find no enemy in the other, but rather to recognize the shared humanity that connects us all. Through his compelling use of rhetoric, Akala does not dictate but rather guides, encourages, and inspires. He transcends the role of a musician and becomes a storyteller, a teacher, and a leader. “Find No Enemy” is an eloquent, profound, and moving piece of rhetorical artistry that continues to resonate with audiences, challenging and changing them, one verse at a time.
