This archive report was first published on 13 July 2019.
On October 13, 2016, Bob Dylan made history by becoming the first musician to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. The decision sparked a heated debate on the intersection of music and literature, with some arguing that music is as poetic as poetry is musical.
Remmy Ongala's song 'Narudi Nyumbani' is a powerful example of musical activism that resonates with Kenya's urban-rural migration challenges. Released in the 1990s, the song tells the story of Ongala's decision to return to his rural home in Songea, Tanzania, after feeling disillusioned with life in Dar es Salaam.
Through his lyrics, Ongala reflects on the importance of reconnecting with one's roots and heritage. He sings about the delicious traditional cuisines that await him and the pride he feels in his rural upbringing. The song's tone is a mix of melancholy and pride, making it a relatable and emotive listen.
When I listen to 'Narudi Nyumbani,' I am struck by the parallels between Ongala's story and Kenya's current urban-rural migration challenges. The ever-increasing urban population, housing crisis, and disillusionment among urban youth are all consequences of unchecked rural-urban migration.
Devolution has failed to motivate urbanites to return to the rural areas, and it is time for convincing reasons to lure the youth back to the countryside. We need tarmacked roads, electricity, good healthcare, reliable communication networks, first-rate schools, and world-class recreational facilities across the country. Above all, we need employment opportunities to make rural Kenya as attractive to the youth as the towns and cities are today.
As we reflect on Ongala's musical activism, we must recognize the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and promoting rural revitalization. Our musicians must compose appealing lyrics that enlighten the youth on the need to return to the villages and lead a socio-economic renaissance.
