Music has been an integral part of the lives of young individuals, but in the current digital age, this phenomenon has occurred in a rather fascinating way. Today, music has ceased to be something young individuals simply listen to; rather, it has become something they consume, reproduce, and use for purposes of expression.
The use of smartphones and readily available technology has enabled young consumers to access international music platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and TikTok right in their pockets. Social media platforms have completely revamped the way music reaches out to audiences. Today, an upcoming singer can reach superstar status overnight by performing in a 15-second clip on social media platforms without even requiring airplay on the radio. This has allowed young listeners to explore diverse genres, from Afrobeats and K-pop to alternative hip-hop and indie pop, to amapiano, 3-step and gospel, breaking away from traditional mainstream boundaries
Social media has also turned young listeners into active contributors in music culture. With challenges, dance trends, and fan communities, youths are contributing to shaping which songs trend and which artists rise. Music is deeply connected with online identity; playlists, shared lyrics, and short videos are personal statements of mood, values, and lifestyle.
Most importantly, music remains a voice for young people to speak about real-life problems. Numerous artists appeal to the youth by singing about mental health, unemployment, relationships, social inequality, and self-confidence. These themes reflect real-life matters in which the youth find themselves and sometimes bring comfort, connection, and, at times, hope to these problems. To many of those who listen, music becomes a sanctuary where one gets to be seen and heard.
In a constantly changing world, music remains a constant companion to the young. Although the places and the genres are always changing, the purpose is the same, and that is to connect, inspire, and provide a way for the young to make sense of the world around them.
— Written by Siphesihle Dlamini
