A recent workshop at Rhodes University's Music Department, part of the South African Visual Arts Historians Conference and Festival, explored the relationship between popular music and gender-based violence. Professor Sonjah Stanley Niaah from the Centre for Reparation Research at the University of the West Indies, Mona, led the discussion, using dancehall music as a case study. The event, attended by students and guests from Jamaica, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria, aimed to examine the messages conveyed through music.
The workshop began with a warm and informal atmosphere, as Professor Niaah engaged the audience with her enthusiasm and humor. She started by dancing to the music, setting a lively tone for the evening. Professor Ruth Simbao welcomed the attendees, describing the gathering as a space for creative exchange. Niaah then took over, discussing the significance of dance and music in understanding societal issues.
Niaah's presentation focused on the prevalence of gender-based violence in Caribbean music, particularly in Jamaican dancehall. She played songs with explicit lyrics, pausing to ensure that a parent in the room was comfortable with the content. The lyrics of these songs often treat women's bodies as property, reflecting a broader societal issue. Niaah cited statistics, including hundreds of reported rape cases in Jamaica in a single year.
The discussion that followed was lively and engaging, with attendees sharing their own experiences and insights. A Rhodes student mentioned an Amapiano hit that encourages women to "give the men your cake," while a visitor from Zimbabwe estimated that 60% of Zim Dancehall music carries similar messages. The use of Jamaican Patois was also discussed, with some arguing that it serves as a shield, allowing listeners to avoid confronting the lyrics head-on.
The workshop highlighted the need for critical examination of popular music and its impact on society. Niaah emphasized that music can be a powerful tool for social commentary and change. She encouraged the audience to think critically about the messages conveyed through music and to consider the ways in which music can be used to promote positive change.
The event concluded on a positive note, with Niaah playing songs by Chris Martin and Roman Virgo that push back against gender-based violence. She emphasized that there are trends in music that seek to correct the negative messages and promote a more positive and respectful attitude towards women. The workshop ended with a sense of hope and a renewed commitment to exploring the complex relationships between music, society, and culture.
The discussion at Rhodes University highlights the ongoing need for conversations about gender-based violence and its representation in popular culture. By examining the messages conveyed through music, attendees and listeners can gain a deeper understanding of the societal issues that shape our world. The workshop demonstrated the value of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding complex social issues.
Key points
- Professor Sonjah Stanley Niaah discussed the prevalence of gender-based violence in Caribbean music, particularly in Jamaican dancehall.
- The workshop highlighted the need for critical examination of popular music and its impact on society.
- The event concluded with a positive note, emphasizing trends in music that promote positive change and respect towards women.
