John Kariuki
19 May 2008
Nairobi — TWO RENOWNED CAMEROONIAN musicians are under arrest for allegedly organising street protests over escalating food prices in their country.
The musicians are also in the bad books of the government for their criticism of a constitutional amendment that gives President Paul Biya sweeping powers and unlimited terms in office. It also grants him amnesty for decisions that he may take as head of state.
The first to be arrested was Joe la Conscience, who is now serving a six-month jail term for organising a sit-in outside the US embassy in Yaoundé in February after his request to organise a street demonstration was rejected by the government.
He was charged with taking part in an unlawful activity in contravention of the country's laws.
His compatriot, Laprio de Mbanga, was reportedly summoned last month by the police in Mbanga city over the lyrics of his song titled Constipation Constitution, which criticised the amendments passed by the country's parliament last month allowing the president unlimited terms in office. In the song, the artiste warns the president of dangerous consequences should the law be effected.
Not wanting to be seen to curtail free expression, the government formally charged the musician with organising demonstrations on the rising food prices that hit the country early this year.
The repression in Cameroon has sparked a worldwide campaign to have the two musicians released. Prof Kwame Karikari, executive director of the Media Foundation for West Africa, condemned the arrest as a fragrant violation of artistic freedom and demanded the release of the two musicians.
THE ARREST COMES BARELY four months after exiled Ivorian reggae star, Tiken Jah Fakoly, now living in Mali, was declared persona non grata in Senegal following the release of his song, Quitte le Pouvoir ("Leave the Power"), last December.
He moved to Mali in 2003, having fled his country after several of his close associates were killed in circumstances that pointed to the involvement of state agents.
Fakoly was awarded the inaugural FreeMuse award in February this year for his consistent fight for freedom of artistic expression.
The latest cases affecting the two Cameroonians underlines the dangers faced by many African musicians who take stands on issues of governance in their countries.
Conflicts between musicians and the state have a long history in West Africa, where big name artistes have refused to be cowed by government repression and gone on to play an active role in politics. The most notable was the late Fela Kuti, who was a thorn in the flesh of the Nigerian government, which he challenged repeatedly.
AS RETRIBUTION, HIS SHRINE - the Kalakuta Republic - was attacked by the army and his mother killed.
In Southern Africa, Zimbabwe has steadily gained notoriety for its intolerance of music critical of President Robert Mugabe. Thomas Mapfumo, one of the country's biggest stars, was forced to flee after recording several songs criticising corruption in government.
In Kenya, a measure of intolerance was seen last December when radio stations refused airplay to two CDs that praised the opposition Orange Democratic Movement party and its presidential candidate, Raila Odinga. Several music shops refused to stock the music.
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