Exposing the Power of Radical Social Change through Music

MTV isn’t particularly known for producing meaningful television shows, rich with profound experiences and dialogue. In the reality TV era, programming such as “Teen Mom” has edged out other shows like the groundbreaking “True Life” documentary series. Hopefully, that’s all about to change with the addition of “Rebel Music” to MTV’s affiliate network, MTVU.

According to MTV, “Rebel Music is a powerful new six-part series that looks into the lives of young people who are using art and music to ignite change around the world.” Each episode will feature the stories of courageous, “rebellious” youth who are fighting injustices with fervent creativity. The show was designed to expose viewers to the experiences of young people in Egypt, Mali, Israel/Palestine, Afghanistan, Mexico, and India, who are faced with social, cultural, and political injustices that they protest against using art and music. “Rebel Music is a portrait of those risking their lives today in the pursuit of a better tomorrow,” explains the popular television network.

The series is executive produced by graphic and street artist Shepard Fairey, whose rebellious works have received critical acclaim. In this series, young people from many cultures are presented as bold, powerful, and rebellious, as well as passionately involved in the arts. It’s definitely an edgier, more radical take on the lives of young people around the world, and a welcomed departure from the beer-guzzling, intellectually devoid, bratty American youth that MTV seems so fond of portraying.

The first episode aired on November 18^th, but it’s still unclear whether or not “Rebel Music” will be successful, and some critics are incredulous. “As compelling as these stories are, it’s unclear whether MTVU’s audience of 9 million U.S. college students will be ready to receive them,” explains Lydia Dishman of the Fast Company, who is skeptical about the show’s more captivating intent. It’s certainly a far cry from the alcohol-fueled, messy antics of most of the network’s “reality”-based programming; here’s to hoping this the show’s success will inspire MTV to produce more genuine, groundbreaking television for young people.

Go to www.rebelmusic.com to learn more. 

Images: rebelmusicdoc via Instagram