A new song titled The West Africa Squadron, written by British songwriter Alex Hart, has gained attention for shedding light on the little-known story of the British Royal Navy’s efforts to combat the transatlantic slave trade.
The song, shared on Hart’s YouTube channel, combines historical storytelling with a rousing style to honour the West Africa Squadron, a unit established in 1808 that played a crucial role in enforcing Britain’s abolition of the slave trade. The squadron’s mission involved patrolling the African coastline and intercepting slave ships, often in treacherous conditions.
Hart’s lyrics detail the harrowing yet heroic actions of the squadron, which faced immense challenges, including disease, dangerous seas, and resistance from slavers. Over its nearly 60-year operation, the squadron freed more than 150,000 enslaved people, though at a heavy cost, with around 1,600 British sailors losing their lives.
The song highlights both the moral commitment and the significant human toll of this often overlooked chapter in British naval history. The music video, which features historic imagery, has resonated with listeners, sparking discussions about the legacy of British involvement in anti-slavery efforts. Hart’s poignant portrayal aims to broaden public awareness of these sailors’ sacrifices while bringing a fresh, musical narrative to a vital but underappreciated part of history. The video is quickly gaining popularity as educators, historians, and music enthusiasts alike share it widely across social media.
For those interested in hearing the song and learning more, it can be viewed on YouTube here.
