VAW & Nigerian female artistes, – 16 days of activism

Domestic violence and entertainent. Those two dont go together or do they? How about entertainment and influence? I want to talk about all four.

As the 15 days for activism on violence against women and children continues I choose to look at Nigerian female musicians who have put the issue of VAW in thier artforms. Im very proud of them.

Nelly Uchendu

Waka-about – Nelly Uchendu This smash hit from the late great Nelly Uchendu MON in the 70s tells  the story of a woman and an ex boxer husband thats a batterer… Nelly Uchendu was a highlife singer with an incredible voice and gift for storytelling.

Genevieve Nnaji

No More by Genevieve Nnaji Nigerias hottest actress Genevieve Nnaji’s brief foray into music produced the highlife song No More, about a woman breaking free from an abusive situation.

Omawunmi

Omawumi

If you ask me(na who I go ask?) by Omawumi Nigerian singing sensation Omawumi collaborated with NGO Project Alert to produce this hit song bringing the disturbing issue of domestic abuse and incest to radio stations, mp3 players and speakers everywhere…  lyrics – “If you ask me; na who I go ask? The matter wey we see so, e tay wey e start. No be me go talk am, e heavy for mouth” full lyrics here

Nneka

Kangpe by Nneka Warri bred German educated Nneka embraces topics that seem heavier than her years… Her new album is actually named “Soul is Heavy” The Kangpe video is one of the best Nigerian vidoes I have ever seen… skillfully outlines the operations of a con artist and abuser hiding under the guise of a “white garment” beach side pastor. The beat is infectious… “de tin wey no fit kill you e go make you strong” lyrics here

Im sure I must have missed some so please send us more songs.

This article wont be complete without looking at women raising awareness and money to fight VAW through the medium of theatre and film…. once again this list isnt exhaustive so please share any others you know of

V monolgues on stage by Isaac Emokpea

V Monologues – The Nigeria adaptation of the Vagina Monologues by KIND and partners has featured many Nigerian actresses, celebrities and producers dedicated to the issue. Joke Silva, Kate Henshaw, Omawumi, Yinka Davies, Funmi Iyanda, Najite Dede, Rita Dominic etc

Damage triology by Uche Jombo

Damage – a movie on domestic abuse and its ruinous effects on families by Nollywood star Uche Jombo is the 1st of a trilogy of interwoven stories.

There are many many more movies but I stop here and listen to feedback…

Thanks

Pamela Braide is a contributor and curator of free2run.

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Posted by Pamela on November 29, 2011. Filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry