Artistic collaboration plus love for Macon means a tailor-made bicentennial anthem

By Clarence W. Thomas, Jr. 

 

When local businessman Alex Habersham – founder of the Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages and co-chair of Macon-Bibb County’s Bicentennial Committee – remembered how well-matched a local legendary hip-hop artist’s ode to loving on Macon was for the community, sparks flew. Months later, the song’s tailor-made recording for the Bicentennial Celebration debuted this June. 

 

The timely rollout coincides with Black Music Month. The month-long observance each June was initiated by President Jimmy Carter and introduced on June 7, 1979 to reflect urban environments through amplified sounds, social concerns, and cultural pride expressed through music.  

 

The song is called “I Love My City,” written by CMD Styles, a musician, actor, and artist. Originally recorded in 2011 as a heartfelt positive expression of Macon, it met the ears of around 5,000 local listeners, including Habersham’s, on YouTube. 

 

“I made the song to highlight the city and develop pride and love for Macon,” said Styles. “If we can start loving our city, then we can stop negativity.” 

 

In the original song and accompanying video, Styles takes listeners and viewers on a vocal and visual amusement ride through local landmarks, like historic Luther Williams Field, the Douglass Theatre, and Tattnall Square Park; while reminding folks that Macon is the launching pad of Otis Redding’s career and home to signature events like the International Cherry Blossom Festival and Bragg Jam.    

  

Habersham says even without the bicentennial, residents still needed to hear “I Love My City.” But after considering the song’s potential to be a social bridge builder and using music as a way of incorporating elements of the city’s excellence during the yearlong celebration of Macon’s 200th anniversary, he asked Styles about creating a new version. “It’s a positive tune. I thought we should make it the official bicentennial song. While we acknowledge the past, we’re working towards a better future. I love the song,” Habersham shared.  

 

After agreeing to remake the song, there were some hurdles to jump. This included sharing the news and getting blessings to proceed from the Macon-Bibb County Commission, Bicentennial Committee co-chair Wes Griffith, and the Bicentennial Committee. Everyone agreed to move forward, clearing the path for a new recording. 

 

Making modifications to “I Love My City” took place in March for about a month at Capricorn Sound Studios and included a host of other musicians and singers from across the local and national artistic landscape. But with Styles’ producers Deonta “Krad” Gibson and Rob Evans helming the project, the revised version came together to everyone’s delight. “The production of the new version showed the song’s potential when [it was] released. It’s a vibe that can bring people together in the streets,” stated Styles.  

 

The new “I Love My City” debuted June 14, immediately before Juneteenth celebrations throughout the city. A big promotional campaign and free public launch party took place at The Capitol Theatre at 5 p.m. Habersham is ecstatic about the song’s promotion. He believes “I Love My City” will instantly appeal to all ages and backgrounds as it reaches across the historic and cultural divide here.  

 

“We are so excited about this,” he exuberantly expressed. “Building a bridge can be done to cross any divide. When you’ve got positive elements like these, you add planks to get you across.” 

 

Styles anticipates the song mirroring Macon’s past as it educates listeners about where we are currently on the way towards a better future. “We’ve got to figure out how to peacefully coexist regardless of our differences,” added Styles. “It begins with love. Love your city.”  

 

 

Macon’s 200-year celebration continues through December 31. Find out more by visiting http://www.macon200.com/macon200.com or facebook.com/macon200.