Exploring the Healing Power of Music for Mental Health: A Spotlight on the Global South Arts & Health Week

As we celebrate Black History Month, we’re reminded of the powerful contributions of Black creatives in shaping arts and health an intersection where expression, culture, and well-being converge. This year, the University of Aberdeen presents a special event during the Global South Arts & Health Week, focused on “Music for Mental Health in Black Communities.” Set to take place at the prestigious Sir Duncan Rice Library, the session promises an inspiring exploration of music’s impact on mental health, especially within Black communities.

The Healing Power of Music: An Ancient Remedy for Modern Minds

The idea that music influences mental health is far from new. For centuries, music has been a source of comfort, healing, and emotional expression across cultures and communities. In Black communities especially, music has historically been a form of resistance, resilience, and recovery. It’s been used to tell stories, foster connections, and create safe spaces for expression. In therapeutic contexts, the benefits of music are even more pronounced research increasingly shows that music can reduce stress, alleviate depression, and foster a sense of community and belonging.

At the heart of this event is the belief that music isn’t just an art form but a bridge to better mental health, a theory inspired by Dr. Olushola Ajinde’s mentor, a notable advocate for integrating music and arts into mental health practices. For this mentor, who has used these methods successfully with patients over the years, music is more than entertainment, it’s a powerful tool for mental and emotional healing. Dr. Olushola Ajinde continues this legacy, bringing the concept to the forefront for this upcoming event.

A Celebration of Black Creative Legacy and Wellness

As part of Black History Month, this event also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of Black artists and healers in shaping the world of arts and health. The influence of African, Caribbean, and Afro-diasporic musical traditions, from jazz and blues to reggae and hip-hop, has permeated global culture and wellness practices. This event shines a light on the cultural heritage of Black creatives, recognizing the ways they’ve used music as a vehicle for healing, protest, joy, and mental fortitude.

Event Details

This celebration of music’s therapeutic power is set for:

• Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2024
• Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Location: Sir Duncan Rice Library, University of Aberdeen

Esteemed speakers will share insights, including Dr. Olushola Ajinde, Ph.D., who brings a wealth of knowledge in mental health and its intersections with culture; Glory Elofuke; Loliya Akobo, Kagher, PhD; Kunle Adewale; and Ollie Folayan, MBE (PhD CEng FIChemE).

Exploring the Science and Tradition of Music Therapy

For many, music’s effects on the brain can be transformative. Studies show that listening to music can trigger the release of dopamine, a “feel-good” neurotransmitter, leading to improved mood and reduced anxiety. Music therapy, a formalized practice, utilizes these effects to help patients manage stress, recover from trauma, and improve cognitive functioning. For Black communities, music therapy can offer culturally relevant tools that resonate with ancestral traditions and contemporary experiences.

In Black communities, music has historically been intertwined with healing practices. This includes the use of drums, call and response songs, and communal gatherings where music serves as both celebration and healing ritual. During this event, the speakers will explore these themes and demonstrate how music, when combined with modern therapeutic approaches, can offer impactful solutions for mental health challenges, particularly in communities that have historically faced stigma around mental health.

Why This Matters: Fostering Diversity, Wellness, and Community Engagement

The Global South Arts & Health Week event isn’t just about celebrating music; it’s about fostering an inclusive community dialogue around mental health and wellness. By focusing on Black communities, the event emphasizes the importance of diversity in mental health approaches and the need for culturally informed practices. It also aligns with broader efforts to destigmatize mental health conversations and ensure that individuals feel supported, heard, and seen.

This event is not only for mental health professionals or Black communities but for anyone interested in understanding how the arts can be a pathway to healing. Attendees will leave with an enriched understanding of how music transcends mere entertainment, impacting mental well-being in ways that science is only beginning to fully understand.

Join Us in this Journey of Cultural Celebration and Mental Wellness

This unique session at the University of Aberdeen is an invitation to experience the healing power of music, learn from pioneers in the field, and celebrate the enduring legacy of Black creatives in arts and health. Whether you’re an advocate of mental health, a lover of music, or simply curious about the interplay between culture and wellness, this event offers something for everyone. Together, let’s honor the contributions of Black creatives, explore the transformative potential of music, and advocate for holistic wellness within our communities.

Mark your calendars for an evening of powerful discussions, soulful music, and vibrant community at the Global South Arts & Health Week.

Event Registration

Register now and join us for a memorable evening that bridges culture, community, and wellness.
Register Here