Soul Beat Africa is co-sponsored by Soul City Institute and the Communication Initiative

SOUL BEAT AFRICA

Where communication and media are central to Africa's social and economic development

E-magazines


Average Rating: no ratings submitted

Music Against Xenophobia

Country

South Africa

Programme Summary

Launched in November 2008, Music Against Xenophobia (MAX) was a music project by CMFD (Community Media for Development) Productions, supported by MMINO, that brought together musicians from South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe to write and record songs about xenophobia (defined as a dislike and/or fear of that which is unknown or different from oneself, in this case foreign nationals) as a way to raise awareness and encourage dialogue. Along with the musical release, the project included a survey of 100 migrant's experiences in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Communication Strategies

Musicians from South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe worked together with migrants and young people to create four songs designed to raise awareness about xenophobia and encourage people to discuss the issue. The songs, written in Zulu, Shangaan, and Portuguese, talk about migration and hope to encourage feelings of pan-Africanism. The lyrics of the songs were based on research interviews conducted with 100 migrants from all over the continent about their experiences in South Africa. According to the organisers, the overwhelming majority told about how they personally suffered from discrimination, including from police and health services. Based on this, the musicians wrote lyrics to give voice to these experiences, calling on all people to respect one another. The music was made available to radio stations via the internet and through CD distribution.

The project also included research by journalism and musicology students to explore how music can be used for social change. This included interviews with academics, musicians, and people working on migration issues.

To further disseminate the counter-xenophobia messages, the music was included on Tjoon'In, a multiformat CD produced for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, which also included a segment on xenophobia. 1000 copies were distributed through public taxis (combis) in South Africa to raise awareness about gender issues.

Development Issues

Xenophobia

Key Points

According to CMFD, Johannesburg has become home to thousands of foreign Africans. Some are refugees, fleeing persecution and seeking asylum, others are looking for work and a better life. Many find that life is not what they expected and face discrimination from government services, harassment by police and degrading treatment from people, whether in the taxis, schools, shops or streets.

CMFD Productions works with communities, non-profit radio stations and media organisations to strengthen the use of media and communication for development. In addition to producing media/ communication products, CMFD provides technical assistance and training to enable individuals, organisations, journalists, and communities to address issues through media.

Partners

CMFD (Community Media for Development) Productions, MMIMO

Contact

Deborah Walter
CMFD (Community Media for Development) Productions

PO Box 66193
Broadway

Johannesburg
2020
South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)11 615 6278 or + 27 (0)73 132 7032

Source

CMFD website on May 26, 2009.


Placed on the Soul Beat Africa site May 27 2009
Last Updated June 01 2009



How useful did you find the knowledge and contacts on this page to your work?


0
No votes yet
Your rating: None


COMMENTS POSTED


Nice Article!

Thanks!It is very nice article.I believe, people should help each other to overcome difficulties.Xenophobia is a serious diagnosis. I guess, music is the right weapon against this problem.

Help Seed The CI Network

Jobs and more...

Broadcast Edutainment

The main challenge/s facing broadcast edutainment programmes (television and radio) in Africa are: (you may choose more than one option)