Sound Tracks of PAWA: How music moves politics

 

Photo curtesy of Azimio TV

From ancient times to modern democracies, music has played a powerful and strategic role in political journeys, serving as both motivation and message. During the Exodus, Miriam, the sister of Moses, sang a triumphant hymn that uplifted the Israelites and strengthened their resolve as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. Her song was not mere celebration; it was psychological reinforcement, reminding a weary people that their struggle had purpose and divine backing. Similarly, in Africa’s resistance history, the Bukusu-led Dini ya Msambwa movement under Elijah Masinde used songs as tools of defiance against colonial intrusion in the 1940s. Their chant “Amba mutalia,” loosely translated as “Catch that Italian,” mobilized communities emotionally and psychologically, transforming resistance into a shared cultural expression that could be easily remembered and collectively sung.

In Kenya’s electoral politics, music has consistently been deployed as a persuasive force that deepens campaign messages and connects leaders with the electorate on an emotional level. In 1997, the veteran politician Elijah Mwangale, facing the threat of losing his Kimilili parliamentary seat, invited the Congolese music star Pepe Kalle and the Emoro dancers to entertain constituents and rekindle enthusiasm for his candidature. The strategy recognized that music softens political messaging and makes leaders appear more relatable. However, the effort did not succeed, as he lost to Mukhisa Kituyi, a charismatic orator whose rhetorical rhythm resonated more authentically with voters. This moment demonstrated that while music can amplify political appeal, it cannot substitute credibility or genuine connection with the electorate.

The power of music became even more pronounced during the political transition that ended the long rule of Daniel arap Moi. Protest and campaign songs such as “Yote Yawezekana Bila Moi” carried a hopeful message that Kenya could thrive beyond a single political era. The anthem “Unbwogable” by Gidi Gidi Maji Maji further energized the youth and symbolized an unshakeable spirit of change, contributing to the landslide victory of Mwai Kibaki over Uhuru Kenyatta in 2002. In this instance, music did more than entertain; it framed political change as both desirable and inevitable, turning hope into a chorus that citizens could sing in unity.

Over the years, Raila Odinga has consistently integrated music into his campaigns, understanding that rhythm and melody embed political ideas deeply within public consciousness. From 2007 through 2013 and 2017, his rallies were accompanied by vibrant musical performances that electrified crowds and sustained enthusiasm. The 2017 NASA campaign featured a popular Luo-themed song titled “NASA,” which became an anthem across rallies, symbolizing solidarity and resistance. In 2022, during the Azimio campaign, Raila recorded the benga-inspired “Lelo ni Lelo,” meaning “Today is the day,” transforming a campaign slogan into a participatory chant that voters could sing, internalize, and carry beyond the rally grounds. Through such songs, political messaging moved from podium speeches into everyday spaces like matatus, markets, and village gatherings where it could be repeatedly reinforced.

In contemporary political protests and mobilizations, the role of music has evolved further, with DJs emerging as influential mood-setters and strategists. During recent demonstrations across towns such as Busia, Kitengela, and Kakamega, a DJ known as Spider used music dynamically to interpret unfolding events and maintain crowd morale. When tear gas canisters were fired, he would play humorous yet symbolic songs like “Uninyunyuzie Maji,” diffusing fear and transforming tension into collective resilience. Upon the arrival of leaders, he would switch to “Sisi Wa Baba,” instantly reigniting loyalty and evoking the enduring political spirit associated with Raila Odinga, even in moments of absence. In this way, music functioned not only as entertainment but also as a communication tool, signaling, comforting, and unifying crowds in real time.

Ultimately, the history of politics shows that campaigns are not driven by manifestos alone; they are journeys sustained by emotion, identity, and shared belief. Music compresses complex political ideas into memorable lines, fosters collective identity through shared singing, and energizes supporters to endure the long and often difficult path toward political change. From Miriam’s ancient hymn to anti-colonial chants, from anti-Moi anthems to modern campaign playlists and protest soundtracks, music remains the invisible engine that propels political movements. While speeches persuade the mind, it is often the song that captures the heart, and in politics, the heart frequently determines the direction of the vote.