Jully Black and the NBA All-Star Game: A Celebration of Music and Sports
The NBA All-Star Game is one of the most anticipated events in the sports world as Toronto Raptors and the country of Canada was represented by Jully Black when she performed the national anthem.
Every year, the best basketball players from around the world come together for a weekend of friendly competition and entertainment. One of the highlights of the All-Star weekend is the halftime show, which features some of the biggest names in music. In 2016, Canadian R&B singer Jully Black was selected to perform at the halftime show of the NBA All-Star Game, marking a significant moment in her career and the intersection of sports and music.
The singer felt she needed to put her own twist to the national anthem, but has received some negative comments for the change. Sitting down with Entertainment Tonight Canada, she explained the artistic direction.
CHANGING O’ CANADA
“I knew I was going to change the words as soon as I got the call” and she stated she didn’t take a “census” on whether or not to change the anthem because she felt she may have been afraid to if too many people didn’t want her doing that to O’Canada.
She says she spoke the truth when asked about the negativity towards her as she explained “this is not our land period.”
Jully Black is a singer, songwriter, and actress from Toronto, Canada. She has been active in the music industry since the late 1990s and has released several albums throughout her career. Black is known for her powerful voice and her ability to blend various genres, including R&B, hip-hop, and soul. She has won numerous awards for her music and has collaborated with several notable artists, including Nas, Destiny’s Child, and Sean Paul.
“I sang the facts. We are walking, breathing, living, experiencing life on native land. On Indigenous land,” the Juno Award-winning R&B singer told The National on Monday.
Today in #popculturehistory @JullyBlack sings the Canadian anthem at the #NBAAllStar and seamlessly made the lyrics more inclusive while reminding us all, we are indeed on native land. pic.twitter.com/6coG4fn4VR
— Marie the Pop Culture Historian (@karmacakedotca) February 20, 2023
Black’s performance at the NBA All-Star Game was not only a celebration of her music but also a testament to the connection between sports and music. Sports and music have always had a close relationship, with many athletes and musicians sharing a passion for both. Music has the power to inspire athletes and pump up the crowd during games, while sports provide a platform for musicians to showcase their talents to a wider audience.
Black’s performance at the NBA All-Star Game was also significant for another reason. As a Canadian artist, Black was able to represent her country on an international stage. The NBA All-Star Game attracts viewers from around the world, and Black’s performance gave her the opportunity to showcase Canadian music to a global audience. However, Black continued to receive some backlash even after her explanation in the media over her creative choice of altering the song.
This is what I’m getting as a BORN and raised Canadian #HateRunsDeep pic.twitter.com/PFxmwQIynH
— Jully Black (@JullyBlack) February 27, 2023
The letter above spewed hate toward Jully Black as the person claimed to be of Indian descent, but was not pleased with her performance. She was called the N-word in the writing and got the stereotypical diatribe against people of Caribbean descent. Her fans showed her support for the insults she received.
Horrible! No excuse for vile pieces of trash who speak like this.
— Andre 905 (@DJAndre905) February 27, 2023
NGL, I didn’t agree with changing the anthem but this… this is horrible! The author isn’t a patriot, they’re the epitome of everything that’s not Canadian. They’re an embarrassment & disgrace to all Canadians.
— The Rodyssey (@TheRodyssey) February 27, 2023
I am so profoundly and deeply sorry that you – or anyone – receives such vile racist hate. You are a champion and a light – I know you’ll keep pushing forward. And so so so many people are here cheering you on 🫶😘
— Chris Glover (@chrisgloverCBC) February 27, 2023
Everyone spazzing about @JullyBlack singing “ Our home ON Native land.”
She’s speaking the truth.
People have the nerve to be like “not all of Canada belonged to them.”
🙄🙄🙄🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ #Landback #cdnpoli #newbrunswick
— Jess the Hope (@higherjessica) February 21, 2023
In conclusion, Jully Black’s performance at the NBA All-Star Game was a momentous occasion for both her career and the intersection of sports and music for Canadians at a major event. Black’s powerful vocals and high-energy performance were a highlight of the halftime show, and her presence at the event was a celebration of the connection between sports and music. As a Canadian artist, Black was also able to represent her country on an international stage and showcase Canadian music to a global audience. Overall, Black’s performance was a testament to the power of music to bring people together and inspire them, whether on the court or on the stage.
