Individual Costs and Civic Impacts of Social Artivism in Music: Three Case Studies from Sub-Saharan Africa
Author(s):
Gardy Stein
Tatek Abebe
Publication Year:
2023
Type:
book section
Journal/Book Title
Social Activism - New Challenges in a (Dis)connected World
Publisher
IntechOpen
Editor(s):
Sandro Serpa
Diann Cameron Kelly
Pages:
Volume:
Issue:
Abstract:
After a general introduction to music censorship in sub-Saharan Africa and the concept of social artivism, this chapter presents three case studies of African musicians – namely Hachalu Hundessa (Ethiopia), Bobi Wine (Uganda), and Miriam Makeba (South Africa) – who, because of their political activism and the critical nature of their lyrics, were persecuted, imprisoned, exiled, or even killed. Drawing on existing studies, autobiographic material and interviews, the chapter discusses the difficulties and dangers faced by musical activists in their respective countries of origin when practicing cultural and political rights as well as the “freedom of speech” that is guaranteed in many countries and assumed a global standard of our times, but is still a utopia in many regions of the world. The chapter inquires about the motivations of the artists to take the risks involved in publishing their music, and into the impact their works have on individuals, groups, and the society at large.
Citation (Chicago Author-Date):
Stein, Gardy, and Tatek Abebe. 2023. “Individual Costs and Civic Impacts of Social Artivism in Music: Three Case Studies from Sub-Saharan Africa.” In Social Activism - New Challenges in a (Dis)Connected World, edited by Sandro Serpa and Diann Cameron Kelly. London: IntechOpen. https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/1155847.