This site will serve as a repository of songs about political violence in Africa. We will spend ten minutes or so of class listening and discussing the music and how it relates to that session's readings and topic. Most of the music videos depict violence, but I will flag any that are particularly graphic.
If you have songs to recommend, please let me know via email!
Here is a YouTube playlist with 22/24 songs (songs from session 10 (Soundcloud) and 14 (too long) are not included).
Session 1 ( January 19, 2021): Course Introduction
"Here, for instance, is “Altchalkoum” (Can’t Stand Any More), created by Tlahoun Gessesse on the eve of an abortive coup against Haile Selassie (it was performed by him with the backing of The Imperial Bodyguard Band, implicated in the coup attempt). Fooling nobody, it was quickly banned – and was banned again by Mengistu: How long are you going to make me suffer? I can’t take any more, I’ve had enough. I’m up to here with it, I’m more than up to here. I can’t take any more, How can I put up with it? I can’t put up with your torments I don’t know what more I can do." From Songlines, 2018
Lyrics and translation: Tuishangilie Kenya ( Let us celebrate Kenya) Taifa Letu Tukufu ( Our Great Country) Kenya tunayoipenda, Daimaaaa ( The Kenya we love so dear, always) Nauikipenda Kenya ( If you love Kenya) ujitenge na mambo ( Separate yourself) yenye kuvunja amani, Daimaaa.... ( from issues that breach peace, always) Kenya Kipenzi chetu, hatutaicha milele daima*2 Mimi ni mwanakenya Daima