Martin Sibanda of the Ndolwane Super Sounds fame has urged Zimbabweans to vote so that they liberate themselves from the country's problems.
TOP South Africa based Zimbabwean musician, Martin Sibanda of the Ndolwane Super Sounds fame, has dared his fellow citizens to turn out in their numbers and vote to address their challenges.
Zimbabwe is dodged by a myriad of challenges including unemployment and corruption which are attributed to bad governance by President Mugabe and his ruling Zanu PF elites.
In his latest seven track album
Konke Sizokulungisa the Afro-fusion muso says the country’s problems can only be addressed through the ballot.
“Don’t be troubled by widespread corruption because we are going to fix this," sings Sibanda in Ndebele. “Go out in your numbers and vote to fix this situation,” advises Sibanda.
“We shall fix what affects all of us through one man one vote.”
In Zimbabwe, a country known for election disputes bordering around vote rigging and intimidation of the electorate, voter apathy is on the rise. Currently, civil society groups are working flat out to ensure that all citizens register to vote in the 2018 polls.
Even the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission which is blamed for rigging polls on behalf of Zanu PF has promised to deliver the "best elections" next year.
Sibanda's educative masterpiece is thus seen as an addition to growing calls for citizens to vote in the upcoming polls. The experienced lyricist urges women and youths to also play their part in the democratization process.
“If you unite, all shall be well (fixed)…,” Martin urges. “…this includes women in clubs and youths. “If you have the same unity of purpose, all shall be fixed.”
Sibanda is not the first musician to release a song laden with political connotations. During pre-independence days, music was used to incite citizens to rebel against white rule.
In post-independence Zimbabwe, creatives who have used arts in cut-throat political commentary have either been cautioned or frowned at by the ruling elite.
But the godfathers of the craft believe art is a powerful tool for promoting civic responsibility in open societies.
Sibanda’s album is currently receiving rave reviews and enjoying fair play around the country.
