A unique collaboration between American music therapist Rachael Rose and Mauritian artist Angèle Angoh has resulted in a song that embodies the voices and emotions of women inmates at Beau-Bassin prison. The song, titled "We are powerful," was officially released on October 4 and features lyrics and melodies inspired by the inmates' experiences. The project aims to provide a platform for the women to express themselves and promote rehabilitation.
The project was born out of Angèle Angoh's work with the inmates through her NGO, Carpe Diem, which she founded. For the past two years, Angoh has been collecting phrases and emotions expressed by the women during art therapy sessions. Rachael Rose, a folk-rock-pop artist, used these testimonies to construct the song, which was further developed during her visit to Mauritius in 2024.
The song's creation involved a collaborative effort between Rose, Angoh, and the inmates. The women participated in workshops, sharing their stories and emotions, which were then woven into the song. The final product is a testament to the power of music as a tool for healing and self-expression. The song is available on the platform Bandcamp, with all proceeds going towards supporting Carpe Diem's initiatives.
Rachael Rose described her experience working with the inmates as profoundly moving. Despite initial reservations, she found the women to be full of hope, sensitivity, and resilience. Through music and art, they were able to express emotions that had been suppressed for a long time. The project has not only provided an outlet for the women but also helped to break down stigmas surrounding incarceration.
Angèle Angoh, an artist and art therapist, has been working in Mauritian prisons since 1999. Her NGO, Carpe Diem, was officially registered in 2018 and aims to use art as a means of rehabilitation. The organization's initiatives have shown that art can be a powerful tool for healing and reconstruction, providing a sense of identity and dignity to the participants.
The project has far-reaching goals, including facilitating the reintegration of inmates into society. Carpe Diem is working to establish a transitional shelter for women upon their release from prison, as well as collaborating with the University of Leicester on an art therapy project. The organization's efforts aim to promote empathy and understanding, rather than stigmatization.
The release of "We are powerful" marks a significant milestone in the project's journey. With a music video set to be released soon, the song is expected to reach a wider audience and promote greater awareness about the importance of rehabilitation and second chances. By amplifying the voices of the inmates, the project hopes to inspire a more compassionate and inclusive society.
Key points
- The song "We are powerful" was created in collaboration with women inmates at Beau-Bassin prison and embodies their voices and emotions.
- The project aims to promote rehabilitation and provide a platform for the women to express themselves through art and music.
- All proceeds from the song's release will go towards supporting Carpe Diem's initiatives in Mauritian prisons.
