I am amazed that in this day and age there are NO political songs or protest songs around. Only JK seems to be doing anything remotely resembling this. Have we been silenced ?

Anyway on this note i have to tip this artist.

He is called Eedris

He is a Nigerian singer (big up to the Naija Massive).
And had the dubious honour of having a big altercation with 50 Cent's bodyguards resulting in 50 Cent running off home to the US.

Here is an extract of his biography.

"Abdulkareem's solo debut album, P.A.S.S. ("Pains And Stress = Success") was released in 2002 on Kennis Music. Released the same year (and also on Kennis), Mr. Lecturer featured Abdulkareem's first video hit, the album's title track, which addressed the problem of students using money and sex to solicit higher grades in Nigerian colleges and universities.

In 2004, Abdulkareem's third album, Jaga Jaga, appeared on Kennis. Its title track, which laments the corruption and suffering in Nigeria, was banned from radio airplay by Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo in a televised address, although it continued to be played in nightclubs. Also in 2004, Abdulkareem came to international attention as a result of a scuffle with American rapper 50 Cent onboard an airplane at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos. By all accounts, Abdulkareem had tried to occupy 50 Cent's seat, resulting in a fight between Abdulkareem, his friends, and 50 Cent's bodyguards. One of Abdulkareem's associates was hospitalised as a result, and 50 Cent returned to the United States, refusing to appear at a scheduled concert in Port Harcourt.

In November of 2005, Abdulkareem launched his own record label, La Kreem Music, and released his fourth album, Letter to Mr. President. The album's title track addressed Obasanjo's criticisms of "Jaga Jaga"; the album also featured "Flash Up Unu Lighter", a tribute to Obasanjo's wife, Stella, who died while undergoing surgery in Spain, and the victims of the Bellview Airlines crash of October 2005.

Abdulkareem is also the founder of the Eedris Abdulkareem Foundation, a fundraising organization dedicated to fighting the spread of HIV and AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa in conjunction with the Pat Utomi Foundation".

Check out the song 'Jaga jaga' which i can't stop playing. Is he the next Fela Kuti ? Time will tell but can a major pick him up they will make a killing.
Incidently he nearly signed with BMG in spain but got deported before the big meeting because his roommate had some illegal substances.

Check him out

There are lots of protest songs around, they just don't get any radio play, so perhaps they are being silenced.

I must admit, I have heard less protest songs recently, I would expect to hear more from the singer songwriter showcases I attend, but I tend to hear more "my girlfriend left me " songs, which leaves you with a feeling of "get over it mate, it happens". hardly enspiring, to the bedsit generation which does still exist.
I have not heard one anti middle east war song to date, and if anyone finds one let me know.
Perhaps the protest writers are now blogging instead.

Here's one of mine for you Martin

Watch And Listen

Also try this site http://www.protest-records.com/

Garth Hewitt's protest song has been mentioned on here before. It's one of the best of the current crop.

http://www.amostrust.org/docs/music/not_in_my_name.mp3

TBH, being raised by cynics, I've always found most protest songs a combination of slightly embarrassing and "Oh, get over it..."

There is a lack and I agree with the Martin's comment on "my girlfriend has wandered off - oh woe, oh woe is me" songs.

I've been toying with an anti-war song which I think I will get on with.

Although I feel anti-war is a little bit tired and would welcome an intellegent/witty "wake up" type of song.

Steve like your voice. Reminds me of someone but i cant remember i was too young lol. Very 70s in vocal style and ideas are good.

Something involving the concepts:

Of course they're lying their lips are moving
anyone who wants to lead should never be allowed to
Anyone who invokes religion should never be allow to vote let alone lead
No one, not even Guy fawkes, entered parliament with a pure motive, unless it's the cleaning staff...

I do like it a lot Steve, great voice, but I must say what you are protesting about is unclear. I am personally more likely also to invest in a protest song in which the instrumentation is not as classic as your own ,but it must be said,excellent recording.
I like it a lot, not a hit, but I think your live following could be good( and for all I know it is), which equals the same as a hit in the long run.

Thanks for listening Martin and DJKZ

Nerina Pallot did a song this year didn't she??
Green Day - American Idiot