Jah Prayzah’s track titled Fambai Nebhora, has been described by some women as vile, sexist and degrading. “I was baffled yesterday [F...
Jah Prayzah’s track titled Fambai Nebhora, has been
described by some women as vile, sexist and degrading.
“I was baffled yesterday [Friday] when I listened to Jah
Prayzah’s song for the Warriors titled Fambai Nebhora. In the song Jah Prayzah
says; ‘tovanzvenga sevarandakadzi [we dribble them like women slaves], and
later says ‘tovapfekedza pitikoti, mapitikoti [we make them wear petticoats]’.
How vile!” women and child right activist Nyari Mashayamombe told the Standard.
“I didn’t finish the song as I was taken aback and thought
how could such a respectable artiste demean women and be so sexist like that in
a national song? How could he embarrass women and seek to alienate us from the
national pride, our Warriors?”
“I’ve always connected with Jah Prayzah’s music for a long
time; his latest song Kunerima, for example, is one song that I loved so much.
Not only was I intrigued by the art in voice prowess and outstanding video, but
I was impressed by the message that women too can decline an engagement ring
and that not every woman is without life unless they are married,” she said.
Another child and women activist, Angela Machonesa, took to
social media platform Facebook to raise her concern over Jah Prayzah’s latest
offering.
“Jah Prazah, a few days ago I asked you to lead a
revolution in the entertainment industry that stops denigrating women. Instead,
you have a Warriors song demeaning women.
“Warriors are for everyone — female and male. Our young
sons woke up singing along that bad vibe, and they will finish this tournament
and live their lives thinking women can be easily dribbled and if you are
defeated you have worn a petticoat.”
Founder of Rozaria Memorial Trust (RMT) Nyaradzai
Gumbonzvanda said the song was derailing efforts to readdress gender
imbalances.
“It’s unfortunate. As RMT, we are hosting a girls’ soccer
tournament in July and girls can play soccer. However, Jah Prayzah’s song
derails our efforts. He is still behind on issues to do with women in sport,”
said Gumbonzvanda.
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission yesterday issued a statement
condemning the song.
“And this is how as society we perpetuate stereotypes that
demean women. And we model sexist values that have made the successes of the
Mighty Warriors largely
invisible,” ZGC said in a statement.
“Jah Prayzah, you have a duty as one of the prominent
artistes in Zimbabwe to fix not only this song, but the cultural perceptions
that made you think those lyrics were good! Let’s work together to make gender
equality real!”
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