Female healers of Africa

8 Mar 2018 - 18:46

Women play immensely pivotal roles by addressing important challenges faced in societies. As such their efforts should not be ignored. Despite their vast contributions, they are marginalised on the basis of race and gender. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, the contributions made by women through music has vastly translated into activism, education and social healing. Their presence in the music industry has become a progressively topical subject as they continue to flourish in a male-dominated sphere despite the many challenges they face.

Nneka speaks about social ills and personal experiences in her music.

Music In Africa has compiled a list of women who have played an active role in shaping perceptions through music.

Miriam Makeba – ‘Indod’ Emnyama’ (Beware, Verwoerd)

The late Miriam Makeba was both a musician and political activist whose music played a significant role during the apartheid era. While in the US, Makeba used her talent to keenly fight against the inhumane regime and for civil rights in America. One of the songs she recorded to denounce apartheid was ‘Indod’ Emnyama’, a song that was written by anti-aparthied activist Vuyisile Mini.

Ntsiki Mazwai – ‘Enemy’

Ntsiki Mazwai is a South African singer known for her controversial views on contemporary politics that affect women. She is a staunch critic of South Africa's political system and doesn’t shy away from expressing her opinion regardless. Through music and social media, Mazwai sharply castigates those in power including those who take advantage of the less privileged. ‘Enemy’ is a song that criticises the leadership of South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress.

Nneka – ‘Africans’

Nneka is a Nigerian singer and rapper whose music usually lambastes capitalism and speaks about the daily lives of Nigerians. She also sings about her experiences while travelling around the world. Her song ‘Africans’ is a reflection on the pain and legacy of displacement caused by colonialism. In the song she addresses a number of social ills faced by many African communities.

Naomi Wachira – ‘I am a Woman’

Noami Wachira is a Kenyan artist whose music largely speaks about human experiences. Wachira’s ‘I Am a Woman’ talks about the violence and challenges faced by women who despite making it in life still fight for their right to be considered equals to men.

Angelique Kidjo feat. Asa – ‘Eva’

The Beninese artist is well known for advocating human rights and those of children. As a means to address some of these challenges, she founded the Batonga Foundation whose aim is to provide education for girls in high schools. ‘Eva’ is a song from her Grammy-winning album Eve.