From 1960s folk singers to contemporary hip-hop activists, musicians have utilised their platforms to spread awareness, motivate change, and bring people together in the pursuit of a better society. More than merely a genre, protest music is a movement, a historical soundtrack, and a pressing cry to action.

Folk musicians began to gain popularity in the 1960s, using their music as a vehicle for activism, especially during the Civil Rights Movement. With songs like "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are A-Changin'" that tackle issues of civil rights, inequality, and war, Bob Dylan rose to prominence as one of the most recognisable protest singers. Another folk hero, Joan Baez, sang at marches and rallies, such as Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 March on Washington, using her eerie voice to elevate the voices of under-represented groups.

Rock musicians took up the cause of protest as the Vietnam War continued to rage. "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival, which criticised the economic and social injustices of the draft system, became an anthem of anti-war fervour. John Lennon's "Imagine," on the other hand, solidified his status as one of music's most ardent peace campaigners by picturing a future free from conflict and division.

Hip-hop became a prominent protest voice in the 1980s and 1990s, providing a forum for underprivileged groups subjected to structural injustice. The songs "Fight the Power" by Public Enemy and "F*** tha Police" by N.W.A. brought attention to the reality of inner-city living in America by directly addressing racial injustice and police brutality. While musicians like J. Cole and Run the Jewels continue to utilise their music to confront issues of systemic racism, injustice, and police violence, Kendrick Lamar's "Alright" has more recently evolved into an anthem of resilience for the Black Lives Matter movement.

The United States is not the only country that uses protest music. Artists have raised their voices against persecution throughout the world. The Afrobeat pioneer from Nigeria, Fela Kuti, used his politically charged music to denounce human rights violations and corruption in the government. Before being brutally killed by the Pinochet administration, Victor Jara, a protest music martyr in Chile, used folk songs to struggle against the dictatorship. Today, musicians like Stromae and Ana Tijoux still use their music to address concerns of human rights, economic inequality, and immigration.

Protest music is more important than ever at a time of social instability. Regardless of the genre—folk, rock, hip-hop, or electronic—musicians never stop inspiring movements and elevating the voices of the marginalised. Protest songs will always have a place in the struggle for justice because of the transformative, empowering, and enduring power of music.

As long as there remain injustices to combat, artists will continue to use their voices to change the world. Protest music is a force that shapes the times rather than merely reflecting them.