Subversive Verses: How Ndebele Musicians Counter-Framed the State Propaganda on The Gukurahundi Genocide

Abstract

Summary This article argues that while the state succeeded in framing Gukurahundi as suppression of armed rebellion with the help of some artists, Ndebele musicians also successfully counter-framed the carnage as genocide using subversive metaphors and analogies. It demonstrates that Ndebele musicians were among the earliest public sponsors of the genocide frame. In framing theory, metaphor is one of the key framing devices; as such, this article is a case-based comparative examination of metaphorical framing and counter-framing of selected songs. It uses songs by Lovemore Majayivana (Inhlanzi Yesiziba and U Tshaka) and Ebony Sheik (Isavungu-zane) but also touches on the broader context and deeper insights provided by other artists such as Thomas Mapfumo and Patrick Mukwamba.