Africa Movement for Democracy album to stir youth civic energy
By BAKARY CEESAY
Yiaga Africa and the Africa Movement for Democracy, with the support of the World Movement for Democracy have released an album called “Music as a Messenger of Democracy” to inspire the youth to become civically active.
This Pan African effort attracted musicians from Senegal, Mali, The Gambia, Togo, Nigeria, and Benin.
Soulful and empowering, ‘Music As A Messenger Of Democracy’ is a Pan-African collaboration that features nine African artistes-Thiat and Killifeu of Keurgui from Senegal, Moonya from Senegal and Benin, Ami Yerewolo and Master Soumy from Mali, Awa Bling and Killa Ace from The Gambia, Cillsoul from Nigeria, and Elom 20ce from Togo.
They sang about issues such as good governance, corruption, and peace.
This is a platform for civic-minded musicians in West Africa to collaborate with with civil society activists and explore how music can be better integrated in the strategies of democracy movements in West Africa.
Executively produced by YIAGA AFRICA, the World Movement for Democracy (WMD) and the African Movement of Democracy (AMD), the four-track EP awakens the conscience and serves as a reminder that Africans deserve democracy, freedom and rights but also that we must fight to gain and protect them.
The track, “Corruption” highlights governments marred by corruption, where citizens are left poor and vulnerable, while crooked politicians and their cronies line their pockets by looting public funds and resources.
“Good Governance” reflects an Africa where too often justice is opaque, public funds are stolen or misspent, and nepotism and clannism reign.
The Album, mixed and produced by Waliyaane studio in Senegal, concludes with “Democracy” and “Get Involved”, which captures the importance of mobilising and standing together to demand justice, equality, security, and transparency.
“Democracy” reflects the experiences and perspective of youth in an Africa where too often, greed, absolute power and corruption are the order of the day.
Music As A Messenger Of Democracy is written in four languages-English, French, Wolof and Bambara-and inspires people to use their voices, to get involved and engage in making Africa great.
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