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Musicians against xenophobia

Musicians from Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe put xenophobia on the cultural agenda in a musical initiative to get people talking about discrimination.  South Africa, especially Johannesburg, is 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. They face discrimination from government services, harassment by police and degrading treatment from people, whether in the taxis, schools, shops or streets.   Initiated by CMFD and supported by MMINO, the musicians worked with migrants and young people to create four songs that get to the heart of the matter.

MAX Judith Though the music focuses on the Mozambican experience, to better understand xenophobia CMFD interviewed 100 migrants from all over the continent about their experiences in South Africa. The overwhelming majority told about how they personally suffered from discrimination, including from police and health services.MAX Bass

The musicians are putting together words to give voice to these experiences, calling on all people to respect one another. “Many people do not know these things are happening,” says Mozambican saxophone player Machotte, “Through this music, maybe we can make people know and think about this, and people will change.” For many migrants, it is a chance to finally have their voices heard.


To further disseminate the counter-xenophobia messages, this music was included on the Tjoon'In CD. 1000 copies were disributed through public taxis (combis)


 People love music, people cannot live without music; with music it is easy to transport a message.”
- Judith Mudau











Listen to the Music Against Xenophobia
(right click and Save As to download)

Turning of the tables

Sigaouke

Max Sinjengomfula

Max Kaya

Click here to download the press release


MAX Machotte Vali

 MAX Playing

Music for Social Change
Social change needs to begin at the core of what makes a society. It is the sharing of ideas and practices that create a society of people. Music has been sung and listened to for many years. It is through uniting people in song or music that that they can interact with it and among themselves. In this way the message is internalised by individuals and only then is change possible. The change grows from the individual level to the societal level.
Click here to read more about CMFD's work using music for social change