Aquakultre's 'I Doubt It' reflects on systemic racism, deeply rooted prejudice and unflappable resilience
The performance is a part of FreeUp! Emancipation Day 2021, now streaming on CBC Gem
Outside the Africville Museum in northern Halifax, Aquakultre performed the song "I Doubt It" to honour Emancipation Day in frontman Lance Sampson's hometown.
The song speaks of systemic racism, deeply rooted prejudice and unflappable resilience.
Capitalism and prison systems, I can't tell the difference. / Meanwhile, I'm too busy bigging up my people / Encouraging them to speak loud.- Lyric from 'I Doubt It' by Aquakultre
Sampson's journey led him to discover his path in music while in prison at age 19, where he learned how to play the guitar with the help of fellow inmates, and wrote the song "Sure," which led to his victory in the 2018 CBC Music Searchlight competition.
FreeUp! Emancipation Day 2021 is a youth-led celebration of spoken word, dance, theatre and music, as we gather together to celebrate freedom. Stream it on CBC Gem and YouTube.
For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community — check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here.
