These are probably the first names that come to your mind after reading the topic: Fela Kuti or Angelique Kidjo. Art and activism are not strange combinations in Africa. Throughout Africa’s history, African artists have often mixed their art with activism. In fact, Africans have often found a way to fight against oppression through their art. From the colonisation period to the pre-colonisation period, Africans used music as a tool against oppression. Stories of enslaved people singing about their masters on farmlands come to mind.
In South Africa, for instance, during the apartheid regime, protest songs became popular because they captured the state of mind of the oppressed. South African musicians like Hugh Masekela and Johnny Clegg championed this trend. This list of African artists who use art for activism stretches longer than the Nile. Let’s have a look at some of them and see the impact their music has had on the continent.
Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s Art And Activism
The late Fela Kuti is a popular name in Africa. This is not just because of his music but for some of the daring things he did. Fela Kuti’s music was popular during the military regime in Nigeria. This makes his exploits even more daring. He had to contend with heads of state who made up laws at a whim. Nigerian military juntas were all dictatorships, but that did not deter the musician. In 1976, he produced the popular music “Zombie”. It is a protest song that criticises Nigeria’s oppressive military regime.
After the release of this song, the Nigerian military regime decided it was time to clip his wings. They raided Fela’s residence and the Kalakuta Republic, his nightclub. They claimed it was a drug raid. As a result, soldiers beat up residents of the Kalakuta Republic. Fela’s mother was thrown out through the window and sustained fatal injuries.
His activism in art did not stop there. He continued being a thorn in the flesh of Nigeria’s oppressive military regime. When his mother died, he carried the coffin containing her body to Dodan Barracks. His actions earned him a beating at the hands of Nigerian soldiers. The head of state denied authorising the action. He claimed it was done by an ‘unknown soldier’.
Anikulapo’s art and activism grew even more. He criticised Buhari’s regime when he started the war against indiscipline. He attacked South African Prime Minister PW Botha. Fela also attacked the United Nations for not ending apartheid in South Africa.
All in all, Fela’s impact is felt beyond his music. His art and his activism go hand in hand. He brought global attention to the oppression in different parts of Africa in his time. At his death, the African continent can still feel his presence.
Angelique Kidjo’s
Beninese-French singer Angelique Kidjo came onto the African music scene in the 1980s. Since then, her journey has been about art and activism. Her songs are not only to entertain but also to educate. In fact, away from her music, she involves herself in philanthropic actions. Of course, this has endeared her to her fans. Her foundation, The Batonga Foundation, aims to provide young girls with quality education.
Kidjo’s music often raises awareness of the struggles that Africans face. One of her songs, “We We,” is an example of such activism. “We We” is a song about child labour. At the time of its release, child labour was a problem in Africa. Angelique’s song drew attention to this. The musician has five grammies to her name. However, I do not think that is the aim of her music. She continues to sing about African struggles and strength.
We can agree that art and activism are part of Angelique Kidjo’s creative package. Her impact on the African continent cannot be ignored.
The Late Miriam Makeba
Mama Africa, as she is fondly called, was from South Africa. She created many songs about the apartheid regime. During her time, South Africans faced oppression from their colonial masters. Her talent and success were not enough for her. Her people’s suffering surrounded her. Therefore, she could practise her art without activism.
Makeba is known for songs like “Soweto Blues” and “Beware Verwoerdi.” The second song was directed at the then South African Prime Minister, Hendrick Verwoerd. Hendrick played a role in starting the apartheid regime. For this and for other songs, the regime exiled her from South Africa and banned her from returning.
During her exile, Makeba did not slow down. She continued to write and perform protest music. She died in 2008. It was long after South Africa had gotten rid of the apartheid regime.
Art and Activism in Sauti Sol’s Music
As far as activism is concerned, Sauti Sol is known for his song “Tujiangalie”. It is a song about self-reflection. Actually, the Swahili title of the song means ‘self-reflection’.
Sauti Sol’s contribution to activism in art, released in 2018, is recent. The song calls on all Kenyans to reflect on the country’s situation. It questions corruption, inequality, and unqualified leaders. This song awakened something in Kenyans, reminding them that their choices have consequences.
Oliver Mtukudzi
Zimbabwean artists are not left out in this trend of the art of activism. Mtukudzi was not just a musician but also a philanthropist. UNICEF made him an ambassador as well. Through his music, he spoke about the situation in his community and raised awareness about HIV.
One of Mtukudzi’s popular songs is “Tapera,” which means “we are dying.” The song raises awareness about HIV/AIDS. Through his song, he advocates for research on a cure for this disease. He asks anyone to come forward with a solution. This is against remaining silent and profiting from the disease. The artist’s actions are part of the reasons many Africans are aware of the disease. This awareness also comes with education.
Layiso Gijana’s Art and Activism
Gijana’s art and activism take a different route from the others. Now, instead of speaking to the authorities, Gijana is best known for his song “Madoda Sabelani.” The song is directed at me. In isiXhosa, it means “men must answer.”
Gijana released this song in 2020. It was at a time when gender-based violence increased in South Africa. The song showed some of the women who suffered this violence. Some of them had been murdered, including a 7-year-old girl, Kgothatso Molefe. Some others were Uyinene Mrwetyana and a pregnant Tshegofatso Pule.
The song is timely because it draws attention to mindless violence and calls on men to end it.
What Next for Activism In African Music?
Some African governments have tried clamping down on artists and their activist’s works. However, it is clear to everyone that activism in African music is not going anywhere. Nigeria’s government banned Falz “This is Nigeria” for attacking politicians. However, activism in the music industry is still waxing strong. We hope that art and activism will change the continent for the better.
