What does music symbolize in your world? I'll go first...

From where I stand, music is an enchanting spell that transcends entertainment. It is a universal language that often speaks directly to my soul no matter what genre, and best believe I do have a wide taste. It goes from R&B/Soul which offers a safe space without fail and makes me feel wanted in this world, to Afrobeats hypnotizing my "two left feet" with sick dance moves, and Rap that accords me "I'm a tough girl" imaginations...hilarious! One thing I cherish about rap/trap is its exclusive capacity to transport me through different humanities, be it an American, British, Nigerian, or just a gospel rapper/trapper on the microphone. Maybe that's why I think of it as my favorite genre now and then. I love pop music too and then gospel... Let's talk about gospel, my favorite version is the singing groups/bands because they favor my love for the choir. There's something about the vocal ranges, it revives me. And oh the melodiousness, elite! My musical preference is solid, no?

I love music more than I do people. Music is warm, has no walls, and does not discriminate, rather it envelops and keeps me afloat. Some days, it lifts me and makes my body want to dance. On other days, it makes me feel small and even brings tears to my eyes, and instances where the lyrics suggest my feelings, tug at my heartstrings. Nonetheless, my spirit feels complete when the notes start dancing in the air like bees in a hive. 

Music is a meticulous gift to mankind, my teacher here on earth. I always want to be where the beats reside because over there seems euphoric, whether it's the karaoke bar, a live band at a social event, traditional ceremonies with cultural drums, musical concerts with my favorite artists, the choir at the chapel, me indoors having a one-man orchestra, or just nodding my head to vibrations from my earphones wherever I find myself. These beats permit me to live my life on a high pitch. Its vibrant hues paint beautiful pictures, giving me the power to dream in color. 

I believe music to be a way of life, an iconic force, that allows me to express and experience emotions uniquely and powerfully. From soft lullabies to energetic beats, its strong influence makes me come alive and every beat and melody feels like freedom. With both my eyes closed or wide open, I begin to lose myself in the sound, my plights fading away as my heartbeat aligns with every thump. The drums, pianos, flutes, and strings all unite to serenade me, filling every space that needs leveling. I find retreat as the beat guides me.

I reckon that music is self-healing. It blesses my life with form and in its melodies, I consistently find solace. Sweeping between pure joy and excitement to introspection and reflection, music does an amazing job of soothing me, toning down anxieties, and igniting my feel-good hormones. Whether I'm singing along, tapping my feet, or simply listening, the rhythmic flow elevates me to different realms, providing comfort, inspiration, and a sense of belonging.

In all, a life with no music is one I must never exist in. My days would be so blurry without tunes, so play me a beat and set me free from the shackles of mundanity.