Grammy-winning Sounds of Blackness unites with Jamecia Bennett, NUNNABOVE, and the Atlanta Drum Academy for a genre-blending youth anthem packed with purpose and power.
In a powerful collaboration spanning generations and geographies, Grammy Award-winning ensemble Sounds of Blackness has released a new single titled “WE’RE UNSTOPPABLE” featuring powerhouse vocalist Jamecia Bennett, the Minneapolis-based sibling band NUNNABOVE, and the energetic Atlanta Drum Academy.
Described as an “anthem for the movement,” the song officially dropped on July 25 and is available on all major streaming platforms, with a video live on YouTube.
“WE’RE UNSTOPPABLE soulfully interweaves R&B, gospel, worldbeat and classical elements into one exhilarating record,” said Gary Hines, longtime music director and founding member of Sounds of Blackness. “With heart-pounding urban rhythms, all involved are at their absolute best, creating a musical experience resonating with power, hope and victory.”
The track was written, produced and arranged by Hines and recorded, mixed and mastered at Atomic K Studios in Minneapolis by Karl Demer, with additional recording support from Todd Fitzgerald and Marcus Hawkins in Atlanta.
“This is not just a song, it’s a statement,” Hines said. “We wanted to create something that speaks to the spirit of resilience and hope, especially for the youth who have always been the driving force behind social movements.”
The song’s collaborators reflect this focus on youth-driven energy. NUNNABOVE, who have appeared as finalists on “America’s Got Talent,” and the Atlanta Drum Academy, a dynamic youth-led percussion group who’ve collaborated with Beyoncé and Rihanna, contribute to the anthem’s vibrant sound.
“We needed this to be youth-driven and youth-focused because historically the vanguard of the movement has always been students, young people,” Hines said. “From the Freedom Riders to the marches of the civil rights era, young people have always led the charge.”
Jamecia Bennett, who co-wrote the song, brings her signature gospel-influenced vocals, building on her family’s deep musical legacy and strong ties to the Twin Cities music scene.
The song follows Sounds of Blackness’ previous single “Thankful,” which honored Amir Locke, the 22-year-old killed by Minneapolis police in 2022. “Thankful” received nominations from both the NAACP Image Awards and the International Songwriting Competition.
Formed at Macalester College in 1969 as the Macalester College Black Choir, Sounds of Blackness officially became in 1971 the group it is known as today, making this their 54th anniversary year. Known for their genre-defying sound, the group draws from every corner of the African and African American musical experience: jazz, gospel, R&B, reggae, blues, hip hop and more.
“That’s the meaning of our name. Sounds of Blackness means every sound of the Black experience,” said Hines, who has been with the group since its inception.
Over the decades, the ensemble has toured internationally, earned three Grammy Awards, and performed for world leaders and major events. Still, their roots remain strong in Minnesota, a place Hines said continues to offer “many and varied” opportunities for artists of all genres.
“I came here from New York, and what surprised me is how vibrant the Black music scene was,” he recalled. “It may have been small, but it was mighty, from jazz clubs to churches to outdoor festivals.”
Sounds of Blackness hopes “WE’RE UNSTOPPABLE” will resonate beyond the stage, inspiring community action, conversation and pride.
To stay connected with the group or learn more about upcoming projects, visit soundsofblackness.org and follow @thesoundsofblackness on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (X), and YouTube.
Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@spokesman-recorder.com.