Last night I was lucky enough to see Janet Jackson in concert here in Toronto at the Sony Centre. Janet’s concert was amazing to say the least, with her choreography and voice seemingly unchanged from the early 90s when I can remember watching her videos. It was an emotional evening as her songs have taken me through so many life experiences, and also with the passing of Michael it was stirring to see her perform Scream and Together Again in his memory. Janet is probably most famously known for her sultry voice, sensual videos and shy off-stage demeanor, but we often forget she also focused on themes of social injustice and hope once upon a time. Last night’s concert affirmed her penchant for Good. as she chose teen group Mindless Behaviour to open her Toronto show as part of her efforts to showcase “20 kids under 20 who have changed their communities in positive ways.” While it may be disregarded by many, showcasing young talent on a tour of this magnitude, is ”lending a hand to help your brother do his best”. With that said, remember this Janet hit?
We are a nation with no geographic boundaries
Bound together through our beliefs
We are like-minded individuals
Sharing a common vision
Pushing toward a world rid of color lines
Five…Four…Three…Two…One!
With music by our side
To break the color lines
Let’s work together
To improve our way of life
Join voices in protest
To social injustice
A generation full of courage
Come forth with me
People of the world today
Are we looking for a better way of life
We are a part of the rhythm nation
People of the world unite
Strength in numbers we can get it right
One time
We are a part of the rhythm nation
This is the test
No struggle no progress
Lend a hand to help
Your brother do his best
Things are getting worse
We have to make them better
It’s time to give a damn
Let’s work together come on
People of the world today
Are we looking for a better way of life
We are a part of the rhythm nation
People of the world unite
Strength in numbers we can get it right
One time
We are a part of the rhythm nation
doGood. feelGood. liveGood.
-Team thinkGood.
Tags: Janet Jackson, Rhythm Nation