Fort Knox Five Remixes Mustafa Akbar’s “Resist”

Mustafa Akbar had been a staple of the D.C. area music community for years before his passing in 2019 from complications from a medical condition called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). As the lead vocalist for Nappy Riddem solidified his contributions to DC Reggae. His solo albums highlight his independent creativity, and his recordings with artists like Thunderball, All Good Funk Alliance, Basement Freaks and others highlight his collaborative spirit. Fort Knox Recordings and Fort Knox Five took 5 unfinished tracks that Mustafa Akbar started before his tragic passing, finished & released them on behalf of Akbar on the 2020 EP,  Attracted, as well as the 2020 Attracted Remix EP.  One of those tracks, “Resist” turned out to be a Summer Protest Anthem, complete with epic music video. The official YouTube info sums it up best when it says:

“Artistic expression is one of the most powerful weapons in the arsenal of activists. Galvanizing talent from around the DMV, this project aimed to amplify the voice of the Black Lives Matter initiative. Collectively bringing their gifts together to inspire others to remain in the tension of the times, they raise their fists in defiance against tyranny and systemic racism in the United States. They resist peacefully through song, dance, and the radical expression of art – reminding fellow citizens real unity is not a lost cause.”

This is a track we wish we had gotten our hands on to share in a more timely manner. However, the beauty about great artists and their art is that they endure the test of time. As the new year rings in, we hope that “Resist” will inspire you toward your own radical expression of art.