Over the years, the arts have been a major tool used in combating political regimes in Africa. If you have history at the tips of your fingers you will remember vividly how Miriam Makeba voiced out against apartheid and Fela Kuti’s incessant reprimanding of Nigerian leaders.
Bobi Wine used his image as the self-styled “Ghetto King” to be elected as a lawmaker in Uganda. He achieved this by the popularity he gained amongst his fans. Bus Stop TV comedians, Sharon ‘Maggie’ Chideu and Samantha ‘Gonyeti’ Kureya from Zimbabwe were arrested and charged for adorning themselves with Zimbabwean Republic Police uniforms. The duo is famous for their satirical comic skits on the online TV network, Bus Stop TV.
In Senegal, hip hop group, Keur Gui, led a youth protest by the name Y’en a Marre. The people see their music as a cry for freedom while the Senegalese government sees it as rebellion.
In other parts of Africa, the arts have become a strong weapon used in voicing out reprimands against erring governments. From music to paintings and sculptures, the revolution is real, people have become tired of poor rulership and the youth have decided to speak up.
