Sensitizing the Community on the Importance of Issue-Based Voting.
Godfrey Oryek, a 36-year-old local artist and musician from Nyacara Cell in Abindu ward, Nebbi municipality, had long been using his music to entertain rather than educate. His songs, mostly centered around dancehall themes, lacked the deeper, more purposeful messages needed to address pressing community issues. However, everything changed after his participation in a civic awareness Baraza in Nebbi, where discussions focused on the roles of elected leaders, voter empathy, and the responsibilities of citizens.
Before becoming involved in the project, Godfrey had never voted, despite meeting all the requirements to do so. His perspective on civic duty and the importance of voting was limited, and he had little awareness of how voting based on material goods, such as bread, soap, or salt, could negatively affect the quality of elected leaders. After attending the civic awareness Baraza, Godfrey was motivated to reflect on his role as a citizen and the importance of making informed, issue-based decisions during elections. This epiphany led him to compose the song “Ngati Matira,” an Alur phrase meaning “Capable Person.” The song was designed to educate citizens on the dangers of voting based on money and material goods, encouraging them to consider the qualities of leaders rather than short-term gains.
Godfrey’s song, with its strong, relevant message, quickly gained popularity. It was played during electoral discussions, talk shows, and community events, becoming an anthem of sorts that captured the attention of local citizens. “Initially, I never voted in my life, but this activity motivated me to realize my roles and duties as a citizen and the importance of choosing quality leaders,” says Godfrey. His song educated the public and made the message memorable, demonstrating that creative expressions, like music, can have a profound impact on raising awareness about governance issues.
Godfrey has helped inform citizens about their civic responsibilities, emphasizing the power of elections to drive social and economic transformation. What Godfrey learned from this experience is the power of creative messaging. “Creative messages through music can be more memorable and impactful,” he notes. This realization underscores the importance of using arts and culture to promote civic engagement.
Civic engagement can be nurtured through innovative approaches like music, which can break through barriers and make complex issues resonate with the masses.
