Music is arguably one of the most powerful ways to pass on a message as it offers a creative way to enlighten people via lyrics and musical hooks. On December 1, DJ 1D released a new single titled “Inkunzi Enjani”,  which you can listen to here. The song was produced by the DJ and features notable Swazi artists that include Mosaic, Qibho Intalektual and KrTC. 

On why it was important for him to use his voice/music to raise awareness about ending gender-based violence in Eswatini, he states: “I wanted to give women a voice, for those who can’t speak for themselves. We need to speak on their behalf and fight for those who can’t defend themselves. Women are being abused everyday and nobody talks about this issue.” He further reveals: “I feel hurt, anger and disappointment [when I read reports of GBV], which is what inspired me to do this song, because I don’t understand why one would abuse a woman, like KrTC said in the song, ‘Why put a hand on a crown’”. 

Furthermore, the song highlights the damaging effects of domestic violence on children and how the death of a woman at the hands of her partner can tear lives apart. The song also serves as a call to action for men to come together and speak out against such acts of violence and join in spreading the song’s message of love. 

In a patriarchal society such as ours where there is cultural justification for spousal battering as a form of discipline, there is dire need for men come on board and fight for the empowerment and protection of girls and women. 

In the future DJ ID hopes to release a video for the song and organise sponsored walks. This proactive attitude in raising awareness on GBV stems from the spinner’s own relationship with his mother, whom he credits for raising him well and teaching him the right values and “most importantly how to behave as a man that she can be proud of”. This no doubt shows how young men can learn right from wrong from those who they see as role models which will go a long way in making them the partners and husbands that we Swazi women need them to be. With such a powerful message I hope this song dominates radio playlists even after the 16 Days of Activism campaign. 

By the Innerviewer