Silence in the Face of Violence: The Role of Artists in the Fight for Justice
The growing wave of violence in Mozambique has generated strong reactions from several public figures, especially artists who, in recent hours, have used their platforms to express outrage and concern. This is a moment that makes us question: what is the role of each of us, as a society, in the fight against violence? To what extent does collective silence contribute to the perpetuation of injustice? Do public figures, with their reach, have a greater responsibility to speak out? And what role should we, as citizens, play in this context?
These are questions that arise from the messages of artists like Stewart Sukuma, Justino Ubakka, and DJ Jรบnior, who call for justice and unity against violence. Based on these positions, it's crucial to open a debate: how can we, as a society, mobilize our voices to demand real change? Is the fight against violence a responsibility shared by all of us?
๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ก ๐๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ค๐ฉ๐๐๐ง ๐ฉ๐ค ๐๐๐ฎ ๐ก๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐ฉ ๐ฌ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐จ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐ข๐๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ค๐ช๐ง ๐๐๐ฎ-๐ฉ๐ค-๐๐๐ฎ ๐ก๐๐๐ ...
Stewart Sukuma, one of Mozambique's most respected musicians, was blunt in pointing out the silence of many public figures in the face of violence. In his message, he openly criticized the passivity of influential people who could, with their voices, bring about change. He emphasized that by remaining silent, we contribute to the perpetuation of violence: "What will change the country is unity against this type of violence. What will change is unity to demand JUSTICE!"โ
Sukuma's speech exposes an uncomfortable truth: inaction can be as damaging as violence itself. Silence is often interpreted as consent, and artists, given their prominent position in society, have a moral responsibility to speak out. Indifference, according to Sukuma, fuels impunity and empowers those who promote violence.
๐ ๐ช๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ค ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ก๐๐ญ๐ฬ๐ค ๐๐๐ก๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ค๐จ๐
Justino Ubakka, another prominent figure in the music scene, adopted a different but equally significant stance. By deciding not to post his work in the coming days out of respect for the events, he conveys a message of mourning and reflection. His decision to suspend his normal social media activities suggests that, in times of crisis, it's necessary to pause and allow space for collective reflection.
Ubakka seems to adopt a more introspective approach, where silence isn't synonymous with omission, but rather an invitation to reflection. The absence of his daily posts is a form of protest, demonstrating that sometimes the absence of content can be an effective way to draw attention to pressing issues.
๐ฟ๐ ๐ ๐ชฬ๐ฃ๐๐ค๐ง ๐ ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ค ๐ฅ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฏ
DJ Jรบnior, for his part, opted for a message of empathy and unity. He recognizes that, despite differences of opinion, everyone seeks the same goal: a better country. His message reflects a call for unity in times of polarization, reminding that, regardless of political differences, respect for human rights must be a non-negotiable principle.
This speech highlights a crucial aspect of the debate: dialogue. DJ Jรบnior seems to suggest that, beyond differences, there is common ground where everyone can meetโthe desire for peace and justice. In times of violence, this unity becomes even more necessary to push for effective change.
๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ก ๐๐๐ซ๐ ๐ค๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ค๐ก๐๐จ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐จ ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐ฉ ๐ฌ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐จ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐ข๐๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ค๐ช๐ง ๐๐๐ฎ-๐ฉ๐ค-๐๐๐ฎ ...
Marllen, with a brief message of faith, turns to spirituality to cope with the pain of violence. By trusting in God, she expresses the anguish of many Mozambicans who, amidst the chaos, seek strength in faith to move forward. Twenty Fingers, with the simple gesture of sharing a broken heart, communicates profound pain without words. Her image is a reminder that feelings of loss and sadness can often be conveyed through powerful symbols.
These two reactions, though distinct from Sukuma's and Ubakka's, demonstrate that pain and indignation in the face of violence can manifest themselves in diverse ways. Whether through faith, silence, or symbols, all these gestures contribute to a broader debate about the role of art and artists in times of crisis.
๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ก ๐๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ค๐ฉ๐๐๐ง ๐ฉ๐ค ๐๐๐ฎ ๐ก๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐ฉ ๐ฌ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐จ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐ข๐๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ค๐ช๐ง ๐๐๐ฎ-๐ฉ๐ค-๐๐๐ฎ ๐ก๐๐๐ ...๏ฟฝ๐๐จ๐๐๐ง
These demonstrations bring to light a crucial debate: what is the role of artists in times of social tension? Should they directly engage in political and social issues or remain distant, focusing solely on their art? The answer, as demonstrated by the actions of Sukuma, Ubakka, and others, is that artists play a fundamental role in building social consciousness. They have a platform that allows them to reach millions of people, influencing opinions and promoting necessary debates.
Historically, art has always been a form of resistance and protest. Artistic movements around the world have played crucial roles in struggles for freedom, civil rights, and justice. Mozambique, a country with a rich cultural tradition, is no exception. Its artists have the power to mobilize society, incite dialogue, and pressure authorities for change.
The calls of Sukuma, Ubakka, DJ Jรบnior, Marllen, and Twenty Fingers show us that violence should not be treated with indifference. Whether through music, visual art, or social media, Mozambican artists are demonstrating that they have an essential role to play in the fight for justice. By using their voices to challenge violence and demand change, they are helping to shape a future where justice and human rights are respected.
The question remains: how many more will join this chorus? Change, as Sukuma emphasized, depends on everyone unitingโartists, intellectuals, and ordinary citizensโaround a common cause. Only then will it be possible to build a more just and peaceful Mozambique for all.
