Abstract:
This article examines how the growth of socio-political songs in Kenya reflects the effect of the
evolution of information technology (IT). The unprecedented proliferation of IT – especially
mobile telephony, the Internet and frequency modulation (FM) radio – has played havoc
with authoritarian control of information, especially by governments. The speed and modes
through which information and song are transferred have diversified, making it possible to
send, receive and access both quite easily. Using three epochs of leadership in Kenya, we
show how the dynamics of the socio-political song have transformed from an authoritarian
regime, when the state muzzled freedom of expression, to a more democratic era of IT, where
artists can more easily reach their audience. By analysing music with lyrics and secondary
data, we show that freedom of speech is as important as the proliferation of IT. Both are
necessary conditions for the growth of socio-political song.