VIDEO PREMIERE: Sachém’s ‘Democracy’ Highlights The Power Of The People

Sachém. Photo supplied.

Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) artist Sachém released his track Democracy alongside American artist Nenjah Nycist earlier this year, and I’m stoked to be premiering the video for Democracy right now. I’ve previously written about the song, and everything I said about it is amplified by the visuals. Both the song and the video are reminders that the people are in charge, despite what those in power will try and tell you. When people are united, there’s no telling what can be achieved.

I also really enjoyed the visual transition between Sachém and Nenjah Nycist’s verses. Obviously, at the moment it’s impossible for the pair to film together, but a FaceTime call serves as the moment where the footage switches between Sachém and Nenjah Nycist’s parts. They might be on different continents, but they’re fighting the same fight. It’s time to sit up and listen.

The video also features an excerpt from Malcolm X’s Democracy Is Hypocrisy speech. The speech is as relevant as ever, and you can watch it here (I definitely recommend watching Malcolm X speak, if you’ve never done so before). How many cycles of history will we go through before something changes?

Speaking about the video, Sachém says it’s a tribute to his and Nenjah’s existence. “A cross-cultural connection of Sachém and Nenjah Nycist through pain and success. Democracy is a reminder of our similarities, our strengths and our connection to humanity. We will always hold the power.”

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Check out the video for Democracy above. First Nations people are still dying in custody, and this country has never been more unequal. We’re living in a time where we need voices like Sachém, and while it’s a heavy burden to place on anyone, he wears it well. Power to the people, and power to Sachém. If you don’t know, now you know.