“The revolution will not be televised…“

By now, you may have already heard snippets of this new house cut by UK DJ, TSHA, featuring one of the most widely-recognized verses penned by American poet, Gil Scott-Heron in 1971.

Out now via TSHA’s new imprint/party/radio show, Jackfruit, “Revolution” features vocal samplings from Scott-Heron, who conceived of the track during the peak of the civil rights movement, a revolution that took root in the streets and on college campuses across the U.S. in the late sixites and early seventies.

In Scott-Heron’s protest song, each verse features cheeky and clever cultural references, altogether showcasing a complex yet obvious critique of the relationship between the media industry and the reality of change. Highlights include: “NBC will not be able to predict the winner at 8:32,” referencing the television networks predicting the winner of presidential elections after poll closures at 8 p.m.; “Plug in, turn on, and cop out,” referencing Timothy Leary’s pro-LSD mantra of the counterculture era (1960’s), “Turn on, tune in, drop out.”

Similarly, TSHA’s “Revolution” directly and indirectly challenges listeners’ use of social media, and encourages critical thinking. Unfortunately, the song’s message may have fallen flat as TSHA faced some criticism via social media following the house track’s release.

Her statement via Instagram:

“At lot of you are connecting with how relevant “Revolution” is to these current times. From the phones on the dance floors to the current conflicts in the world. 

First off I would like to say that I don’t completely hate social media, it has many uses from light hearted entertainment or a way to spread awareness of things that are happening in this world that otherwise would get buried. But also at the same time can spread a lot of miss information and empower key board warriors and trolls. 

But like Gil Scott Heron said him self about the ‘The revolution will not be televised’, this song was actually referring to the revolution that happens within the mind.

“So yes I know posting about it on social media is ironic. Il promote my next song via message pigeon next time 🐦”

Art has always been political, and it continues to be used as a tool by artists to protest, support and voice their opinions on issues that are important to them or relevant to their community in times of civil or political unrest. “Revolution” is an apt addition for any protest playlist.

TSHA’s full length album debuted in Sept. 2024, and a remix EP of the project was released earlier this spring. “Revolution” is the first single TSHA has unveiled this year.

The Jackfruit labelhead is currently touring across Ibiza through October via the Ibisha 2025 tour.

Words by Melisa Yuriar.