Music is the soundtrack of life, but ask any household about what’s playing, and you’ll hear a clash of generations. Our parents’ music — the records, tapes, or CDs they grew up with — often feels worlds apart from the endless playlists and streaming apps we have today, like Spotify. This isn’t just about tunes; it’s a cultural tug-of-war, where memories and modernity meet.
For our parents, music was a ritual. Sitting around the radio or carefully placing a vinyl on a turntable was an event, not background noise. They knew every word to Fela Kuti’s political anthems, King Sunny Ade’s jùjú grooves, or Miriam Makeba’s soulful melodies. These songs were woven into family stories, celebrations, and struggles. Music wasn’t just sound; it was identity and history.
Today, we live in a different world. Spotify offers millions of songs at our fingertips — from Afrobeats to K-pop, to the latest hip-hop bangers. We shuffle, skip, and switch genres in seconds. Our playlists are personalised, often created on the fly, shaped by algorithms and moods. We stream, download, and share music in ways our parents couldn’t have imagined.
This gap creates tension. Parents might shake their heads at “noise” they barely understand, while we roll our eyes at their “old-fashioned” favourites. But rather than a battle, it’s a conversation waiting to happen. Both sides have stories worth sharing.
Our parents’ music teaches us about roots, resilience, and culture — sounds that shaped generations and political movements. Our Spotify playlists represent a globalised, digital era where music is more accessible but sometimes fleeting.
Instead of choosing sides, why not mix the best of both? Imagine a playlist blending Fela’s timeless protest songs with Burna Boy’s contemporary vibes. Or sharing a dance floor where Juju and Afrobeat meet Afropop and rap.
Music has always been about connection. The war of generations in music isn’t a fight; it’s an opportunity. To listen more closely, to appreciate different rhythms, and to build bridges across time and taste.
So next time your parent asks what you’re listening to, share your Spotify. And when they put on their classic records, don’t just hear the music — hear the stories, the passion, and the history behind every note. That’s how generations truly groove together.
