“We must look beyond the temptations of greed”, says Ngema, who goes on to paraphrase the opening lyrics of his new song: “The time has come for self-introspection, for us to face the reality: the continent, forever riddled with greed, is fighting the wars of tribalism.”
“Why have we allowed ourselves to be led by people with greed, why have we allowed the dictators to lead our countries? As Africans together we can stand up and say no more dictators.”
Through his song, Ngema strongly exhorts people to unite and work together for the future, opposing dictatorships and the resultant disempowerment of millions throughout Africa: “There was a time when everything was going wrong for the continent, when wars were all over our land.. With the music we shall conquer.. I give you the song of unity. Hear the music, hear the music of unity.”
"Many politicians in Africa, as in other parts of the world, have lost sight of the need to serve their countries. They have succumbed to visions of self-grandeur – which one might term ‘the Napoleon syndrome’ – adopting ‘royal’ or ‘imperial’ status,” says Ngema. “This phenomenon has invariably manifested in their clinging to power at all costs, giving way to greed, corruption and massive malpractice, to the detriment of the people under their regimes.”
In contrast with politicians seeking to cling to power at all costs, Ngema cites political leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill, both of whom stepped down timeously from office, as examples of leaders who selflessly stood for the good of their people.
For further information, email
[email protected].