Can Music and Politics Mix in Africa?

By: Mandla Masingi & Azwihangwisi Mufamadi

Richard Nwamba, the SA fm presenter said that South African musicians are not doing enough to challenge the wrong doings in Swaziland and Zimbabwe.

The Mozambique born radio and TV personality condemned South African Musicians for not singing about political atmosphere in African countries. He said that he understands that South Africa has got its own democracy but “what about the rest of the continent?”

Speaking at the talk organised by the Rhodes Music department in conjunction with the International Music Library (ILAM), Nwamba presented a debate that music can be a pivotal tool in changing political regimes in African countries. He said that although “music can be used in lulling us to sleep, music can be a powerful weapon in wakening people on what is happening around”.

During the talk Nwamba pinpointed some of African musicians who fought for democracy through their lyrical usage. Although the list was long but the likes of Oliver Mutukudzi from Zimbabwe; Mali’s Salif Keita; Nigerian Fela Kuti, who was beaten up by Olusegun Obasanjo, before he was a president after Kuti criticised the government, were also mentioned in the list. Also names like Kanda Kuyete, Pierre Akendengue who was forced to apologise in public after he criticized Gabon president Omar Bongo, completed the list. While displaying some of the sound tracks during the lecture, Nwamba claimed that Congolese music is the only music that epitomises the fight for democracy. “The reason Congolese music is good is because it saved Mobutu Sese Seko from being overthrown,” said Nwamba.

Nwamba’s proposition solution to this plight was that awareness should be raised among young generations (musicians), to tackle issues like what is happening in Zimbabwe and Swaziland. “Our silence that we have is making us poor” He lamented.

Meanwhile, Nwamba who has been in South Africa for 31 years will be appearing in the e TV drama Scandal, playing a role of a gynaecologist, as Dr Radebe. This follows his short appearance in the SABC 2 series Muvhango in past years. However, Nwamba said that in all things he does, music comes first. “Music is a passion that I have,” he said.

The Rhodes University head of Ethmnomusicology Dr Diane Thram said that; “Nwamba is a man of many talents, from acting, playwriting and composing.” Dr Thram was very pleased to have Nwamba at Rhodes and mentioned that, Nwamba is pursuing a masters Degree in Ethnomusicology, through Wits University.

Nwamba does not sit on his laurels but involve himself in different projects. He said that he writes a column in one of the Afro pop Magazines, Rootz.