05 Apr Asian Musicians to Support Amid Anti-Asian Discrimination
Now, more than ever, AAPI communities need our support; one way to do this is to listen to Asian musicians.
This year, protests and support increased due to recent violent attacks towards the Asian-American Pacific Islander communities. After the tragic shootings that occurred in Georgia on Mar. 16, citizens and artists like Rihanna are protesting against anti-Asian American hate throughout the country and encouraging others to donate and send support.
If financial support is not an option for you, show your solidarity for the community in any way you can! Here is a list of Asian artists to check out and listen to!
Rina Sawayama
Although she is an England native, Sawayama is one of the artists to conquer the pop music industry. The 30-year-old singer released her debut album “Sawayama” to critical acclaim, for her nostalgic twist on pop music.The album is known for its tributes to music from the 1990s and 2000s.
She cites Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Lady Gaga, and Evanescence as a few of her musical influences.
Yuna
Malaysian singer Yuna is one of the few underrated Asian musicians in R&B. The artist, well-known in America for her sensual duet “Crush” with Usher, won over 10 Malaysian Music Awards respectively. Her recent album “Rouge” spawned several notable collaborations with rappers G-Eazy and Tyler, the Creator.
BTS
This dynamic boyband BTS recently addressed and condemned the anti-Asian racism that occurred in recent events. The group, according to a statement, also experienced discrimination of their own. This group recently performed at the 63rd Grammy Awards with their single “Dynamite” and even performed alongside Lil Nas X for an all-star “Old Town Road” remix.
Blackpink
Since we’ve mentioned boy bands, Asian girl groups are indeed a thing, too. Blackpink is a Korean girl group known for being the “most followed” group on Spotify. Their debut album “The Album” consists of eight songs, including “How You Like That” and “Ice Cream” with singer Selena Gomez.
Jhené Aiko
Aiko is definitely in the big leagues for R&B music, but it’s also fair to acknowledge her as a part of the Asian community. Known for her angelic, soft vocals and raw lyrical content, Jhené Aiko takes her fans on a journey of her life, tackling relationship woes, peace and solitude, and even sexual desires.
The part-Japanese singer made her major debut with a well-known hit “The Worst” in 2013. The artist was recently nominated for Album of the Year for “Chilombo” at the 63rd Grammy Awards.
Joji
This Japanese artist first began his career as a YouTube personality, and started his music career originally as “Pink Guy,” with songs focused on satirical hip-hop. As Joji, this R&B and hip-hop artist is slowly making himself known. The artist recently released “Nectar,” his second album, in 2020. The album features notable collaborations with Diplo, Lil Yachty, and more.
Who are your favorite artists on this list? Drop a comment below and let us know!
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