Simon Mwangi       

Kenyan musician King Kaka (born Kennedy Ombima) sparked a debate among Kenyans with his new hard hitting and controversial poem Wajinga Nyinyi. 

The song/poem, which has received admiration and condemnation in equal measure, reflects on the state of the country, and how we got where we are. It has since gone viral and the rapper had contemplated pulling it down, citing threats from powerful forces.

The song is on people’s lips, the lyrics in people’s minds and the deep meaning in people’s hearts. This is evidence music is slowly growing from just an entertainment-oriented genre to a tool for social change.

The world over, there are various examples how music that has changed society for the better.

There are the anti-apartheid and government-challenging songs by musicians such as Nigeria’s Fela Kuti and South Africa’s Miriam Makeba. Internationally, there are anti-war sentiments by musicians like Bob Dylan of the US. 

With modern day’s technological advancement, music has become part and parcel of our life experiences: We listen to it in our homes, while driving to work, in matatus, while studying, when we exercise and in many other settings.

This exemplifies the level of influence music has on individuals and societies at large. 

The combination of the right lyrics, rhythm, instruments and delivery can stir strong feelings, engage audiences and prod people to take action. This makes music the perfect partner for social change. 

In 1985,  a charity song written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian for the album We Are the World sold over 20 million copies.

The song aimed at raising funds to assist famine-stricken African countries, ravaged by a two-year drought from 1983.

Music is a vital part of popular culture; it entertains and as such it is a great platform for debate on societal issues. Performances are predominantly effective because artists have the opportunity to address large crowds. 

For social messages to take root, they must be accepted by large numbers of people, and individuals are more likely to accept these messages if their peers do. 

So with his new song Wajinga Nyinyi, rapper King Kaka has rattled the natural order by evoking deep feelings and introspection among listeners.

It addresses a myriad of issues from political conmanship, corruption and the forgetful nature of Kenyans which has seen them divided along tribal lines in every election cycle. 

While Kaka acknowledges that our leaders have failed us time and again, he says Kenyans are also to blame for electing the very leaders.

Music, through popular messaging, has the ability to rally people behind a cause and actually act as a voice through which change can be attained. 

Back in the 1960s, popular white singers such as Bob Dylan and Joan Baez lent both their names and musical talents to the American Civil Rights Movement.

In those days, music was crucial to people fighting for civil rights for African-Americans. Freedom songs, often adapted from the music of the black church, played a critical role reinforcing courage, stimulating participation, and fostering a sense of community.

Robert Nesta Marley, popularly known as Bob Marley, used his musical prowess to make the richest nations take note of the plight of third world countries as well as spread a message of justice and peace during a time of serious political unrest in Jamaica. 

In trying to understand and contextualise Kenya’s socio-political and economic development, music cannot be ignored.

It is a mirror through which country people look at themselves while it is also an avenue for passing of messages to authorities

King Kaka has done his part in social awakening in his capacity as an artist. The ball is now in the court of everyone else in society to reflect upon his message and try to make the best out of what he has highlighted.

Given the dissimilar ideological differences existing among different people within the country, reactions are and shall continue to be varied.

This is expected given that the song, as is composed, criticizes some while calling others to act. —The writer is a student at the Chartered Institute of PR, London