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Ntsiki Mazwai breaks silence in Done to Me

24 Nov 2017 - 11:02

The invention of verbal communication is the biggest step in human evolution. Words have allowed people to express themselves for centuries, whether it be feelings of exaltation or melancholy. Those emotions, mixed with music, create a powerful combination.

Ntsiki Mazwai opens up about her feelings in 'Done to Me'

Social activist and poet Ntsiki Mazwai uses the power of spoken word and music in the song ‘Done to Me’ as a catharsis for the physical and emotional strain that was caused by kwaito singer Brickz, who she accuses of raping her. Last month, Brickz (Sipho Ndlovu) was convicted of sexually assaulting his 16-year-old niece in 2013.

‘Done to Me’ is an emotive song that emphasises the psychological effects the Brickz incident had on Mazwai. Her sombre delivery over a hip hop beat with a soft piano sets a mood of despair and acceptance within poetic prose.

In the opening lines she says: “You’ve taken the very best parts of me / the smiling me / the happy me / traumatised and shattered I’m hiding inside of me.”

This lyric explains how she was unable to express herself and opted to recede into a shell where she couldn’t communicate positive emotions. Although the song is introspective for Mazwai, the words mirror the mental state of women who have been sexually violated – feelings of hopelessness and depression coupled with the fear of being victimised for speaking out.

Later in the first verse she triumphantly proclaims: “You’ve taken the best of me but I am taking it back.” This is where the catharsis begins. She is forgiving herself and finding an opportunity to move on with her life. “The only mistake I made was trusting you. Just so you know, I don’t wish the best for you," she tells her abuser.

In the last verse Mazwai begins with, “I did not ask to be raped.” This is important because it relates to the rationalisation of the heinous crime on the premise that a woman who is scantily dressed "is asking for it".

‘Done to Me’ is a piece of powerful social commentary that is backed by personal experience. It delves into the psycho-emotional effects of rape.

While the song is certainly not a banger, it has the necessary impact of making people reflect and potentially help other survivors of sexual violations and harassment to claim back their lives .