Recap: Exploring the Origins of Anthems Event

Last week, Tusome Books hosted an engaging virtual event, Exploring the Origins of Anthems, where attendees dove into the hidden histories and complexities behind some of the world's most iconic national anthems. Facilitated by Gillian Turnbull, author of Sonic Booms: Making Music in an Oil Town, the discussion shed light on how anthems often reflect a country’s values and history in ways that are both uplifting and controversial. Keisha Paul brought the stories to life by reading selected passages from David Pate's The Worst Songs in the World, sparking thoughtful conversation on the relevance and evolution of these songs in today's world.

From the origins of “God Save the King” to the often-violent lyrics hidden within anthems we hear today, the event invited attendees to rethink the role these national songs play in shaping collective identity. If you missed the event or want to revisit the discussions, you can catch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.