MUSIC FOR POLITICAL CHANGE IN AFRICA

                                MUSIC FOR POLITICAL CHANGE IN AFRICA

                             By: Derek Asuman


Music has been an essential part of the social and cultural structure of any society, no matter its stage of development. Music continues to play an indispensable role in social change across the world. 

Fela- Nigerian Musical revolutionary

Africa is no exception to the impact of music to social reformation.
Music forms in Africa are said to be as old as the societies that they are identified with. It is common knowledge that music, as a part of a society’s culture is dynamic and such is influenced by external culture.

In Africa, musical and lyrical content have provided a heaven for the preservation of much of the continent’s unwritten history. Music has also provided a valuable source of knowledge on the ways of life of the African people.

During the Trans-Saharan and Trans-Atlantic slave trade, our brothers and sisters who found themselves to be victims of this barbaric epoch of Africa history, carried with them music from their homelands to the lands of their new masters. They carried in their hearts the beats of Africa. Music connected them to their ancestral home. In short, music connects Africans home in the Diaspora.

During the era of colonization and the struggle for political independence, music became a rallying point for nationalist liberation movements to unite people of different backgrounds ethnic backgrounds to forge a common alliance to depose colonial governments. 

Music provided inspiration, strength and a sense of purpose to the ordinary African to demand self government. The role of music in the independence cannot be underestimated.

During the oppressive and criminal Apartheid regime in South Africa, music was a powerful rallying tool for the African Liberation Movements. In these difficult times, musicians such as Hugh Masekela, Maria Makeba, and Brenda Fassie stood as pillars of hope and strength for the oppressed black majority under a rule of the minority white. 

These musicians also paid the price for their opposition to a government of white supremacists. Hugh Masekela’s “Nelson Mandela” became the global anthem for the release of the imprisoned inspirational leader against the white minority government.


Music has not only been a tool in the in the struggle for political independence, music has played a key part in the political development of post colonial independent states. During oppressive and cruel military regimes, music has been an important tool for political opponents to press their demands for democratic rule. Music is an effective tool to expose corruption in governments.

The legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti used his music to criticize various military governments and to demand a return to civilian rule in his motherland. 

He was particularly critical of corruption and nepotism that has engulfed the very top of Nigerian leadership. In one particular song, he reminded the soldiers that, their place in the barracks is not to meddle in politics. His advice still remains relevant today as Africa strive to build open democratic societies.

Idris Abdulkareem, another Nigerian also been a strong voice of political and social dissent in Nigeria. He has appalled by the extent of high level corruption in both state and federal governments. Idris has also campaigned against the extent of degradation and pollution that local communities have suffered as a result of oil exploration in the Niger Delta. The level of crime in Nigeria has also been of great concern to Idris.

During the recent political and social upheaval that spread through North Africa and lead to the overthrow of existing authoritarian and oppressive governments, music was a powerful tool for the “revolutionarist”. 

During the mass protest at the Tahrir Square in Cairo, protesters made their demand clear through various forms of music. Music brought diverse people together for a common purpose, to demand the restoration of democratic and constitutional government.


In countries that are experiencing democratic governance, political parties and other social organizations have employed music to disseminate their political messages. Music plays a key role in political campaigning in Africa. Music is a tool for political education and a call for political education and a call for political responsibility.

In all these, music has also served Africa in ways that are regrettable. 

Music was a powerful tool that helped to spread hateful messages that lead to the bloody Rwandan Genocide of 1994. The post election violence that Kenya experienced in 2007 was also helped by music. Recently, four Kenyan musicians were charged for lyrical contents that promotes hatred between the ethnic groups of Kenya.

Hugh Masekela- Used his music to fight Apartheid

Music is the soul of Africa, and as Africa strive for economic development and independence, the role of music to reform the lives of Africa needs to be entirely assessed and employed to ensure the benefits to its people.

 Developing and branding African music, to make attractive to the outside will provide a great opportunity to market the diverse cultural and tourist attractions of the continent and create jobs for its teaming youth.


Twitter: @AsumanDerek                             Facebook: Kojo Asuman