Local artists join fight against Gender-Based Violence war
Reacting to the extreme levels of femicide and domestic violence that has plagued the country, local musicians also joined forces to fight the scourge by composing songs condemning the act.
The moving song with powerful lyrics, accompanied by beatific voices of Teqla, Dice, D-Naff, Chikune and Peter L Peter was written to inspire women to break free from abuse and advise the nation to be the change they want to see in the country.
Titled ‘Rise up', the new song starts with a voice of an adolescent who seemingly was seeing her/his mother being abused by the father and it sends a clear message that gender-based violence should be condemned.
Just a week ago, upcoming artist, Lasarus Mvula, also released a single, entitled ‘Silence', meant to serve as an antidote to gender-based violence that has seen a spike since the start of the lockdown.
“We are living in a world where women and children are being abused and the authorities don't seem to be doing anything about it. ‘Silence' tends to tell everyone experiencing abuse to take action, speak out and to report it,” he said to Entertainment Now!
On ‘Silence' Lasarus collaborated with fellow artists, Queen and Mavovo and the song is an ongoing effort to flourish his new music career.
As the world observes 16 Days of Activism against GBV, activists including artists have urged government to act against violence against women and children.
Namibia has recorded an increase in violent crimes, particularly SGBV, armed robbery and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
At the launch of 16 Days of Activism on Tuesday, the police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga reported that 2 818 rape cases were recorded, of which 2 357 involved women and children between January 2018 and September 2020.