Queen Fayah to attend anti-violence forum
Malawian reggae dancehall artist Queen Fayah is among 54 women artists from across Africa to attend a symposium focusing on violence women in artists face in the pursuit of their career.
The symposium, called 54 African Mamas, is an initiative of South African Association of Arts Administration. The association is working together with a movement called Togata, which is championed by former backing vocalists of South African reggae icon Lucky Dube.
According to a statement from the organisers, the initiative seeks to unite African women in the arts industry and break the culture of silence over abuse or violence.
Reads the statement: “The initiative seeks to combat abuse of women in the music industry. The 54 African Mamas programme is bringing together women in the music industry from across the 54 African States, women with like-minds and similar challenges who are determined to forge a way and raise the voice of all women across the continent.
“We will choose an ambassador and a coordinator from each country who will help to champion the vision of 54 African Mamas programme, these members will be in charge of all the programme activities and media campaigns,
In a separate interview, yesterday, Queen Fayah said she was identified by the country’s project coordinator after impressing the organisers with her performances and music.
She said she considers the feat as a dream come true as it will offer her a chance to work with different artists from Africa.
Queen Fayah, real name Merrium Pondani, said it is important for the forum to address the violence against women in the arts industry which goes unreported. She said some women artists have failed to progress with their art because of violence.
“If you ask a lot of women, they can testify that they have come across an abuser in the pursuit of their dreams. It is not just sexual abuse. Even in marriage set-up, some women artists have been forced to end their career to suit the interests of their spouses,” she said.
The Chiradzulu-based artist said it is important that women artists raise their voice to end the violence. The symposium is set to take place on March 7.
