Sun Ra - From the Other Planet

 

Besides being a composer, keyboardist, bandleader, philosopher, and poet, Sun Ra is also considered as a founder of Afrofuturism, the movement which explores science fiction and fantasy in order to reconceptualize the history of the African diaspora and to create a new vision concerning the future for all the Black people. Sun Ra claimed that he was not born on the Earth, but he comes from the planet Saturn, which he tried to prove during his lifetime.

Nevertheless, Sun Ra always tended to be different, in his way of life as well as the way of producing the pieces of art. Starting from his band being called “Arkestra” to the way of dressing, he used to be authentic, as seen in the videos he wore unique colorful costumes which were mostly handmade, unlike the others. His method of presenting himself was distinctive, he resisted the ordinary and created an individual who could trace evolution with the music and works he produced.

In the short video “Space is the Place”, he said “better still teleport the whole planet here through music”, he believed music is something higher and more profound than anything else, perhaps spiritual since he presented it as the means of moving the planet through it. In that way, he was able to discover the future and produce the music that will be the representation of science-fiction and technology of the following generations. He had his own mythology, his own time where he could create the world of freedom, especially for African-American people, where they will be able to be who they are and live freely without any problems. 

Personally, I find “Returning to OVC” as the best one of all of them, especially when watching the video, I feel hypnotized with the sounds as well the motions of the video, it really takes you to some other planet, at the same time it is very pleasant to the ears. Hence, what can also be observable is the fact that he uses a lot of colors, in his videos, his clothing as well, that means that his perception of the world and the future is vivid and vibrant, the world where all colors are the same and accepted and the best way for him was to present it through the music.

Sun Ra’s music was and still is unprecedented when it comes to producing the works that created an entire movement for all African-American people. Together with his Arkestra, he proved that he really comes from the other planet, for his approach and style were not common nor standard at that time.