Engaging the “Other”: Contemporary Music as Perspective-Shifting in Post-conflict Northern Uganda

Abstract

In “Engaging the ‘Other’: Contemporary Music as Perspective-Shifting in Post-conflict Northern Uganda,” Opiyo explores the relationship between music and peacebuilding in developing constructive relationships in Northern Uganda, the site of over two decades of conflict between the Ugandan government and various rebel groups, particularly the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). By focusing on three popular and poignant conflict-era songs, this essay suggests that there is significant potential for transformative peacebuilding when music strategically engages with groups labelled by society as the “other.” Building on a discussion of the songs themselves, Opiyo makes a case for recognizing the value of music for nurturing perspective-shifting within groups and between groups polarized by protracted conflict.

Appendices

Appendix 1: “Dwog Paco” Lyrics

“Dwog Paco (Come Home)” by Jahria Okwera*

*Used with permission; translated from Acholi (Luo)

Chorus

Verse

Verse There is no problem. Come back home, please. People are pleading. We call you back. There is no problem. Come back home, please. People are crying, crying for peace.

Verse One

Verse

Verse Hear the people pleading. They are calling for you all in the bush. Acholi elders, Lango elders are all calling you back. There is no problem. Hear us cry. Change your heart and return home. Everyone is calling for you, welcoming you., and don’t delay, please.

Chorus x2

Verse Two

Verse

Verse Hear everyone call for you. My brother, please change your heart. My sister, change your heart, please. People want peace. People cry. Hear my words, and you think about it. I’m your brother who will never differentiate you from others. Hear your home people calling for you truly. Meaning, people still love you. People cry. Everyone. People want you to come back People cry. Everyone. People want you to come back

Chorus x2

Verse Three

Verse

Verse Our boys, think about the Acholi people, please. At least think about the Lango. Our boys, you come back now. The world at large is calling for you. Never think you are wrongdoers. We have now forgiven you. Come back and organize your clan So that peace returns to the North. Listen to us. Return home. Listen to us. Return home.

Chorus x6

Appendix 2: “Okwera Nono” Lyrics

“Okwera Nono (You Reject Me for Nothing)” by Jeff Korondo*

*Used with permission; translated from Acholi (Luo)

Chorus

Verse

Verse My people, you reject me for nothing. Where do I go? Maybe it was meant to be like that. What if it were you? What would you do? Maybe it was meant to be like that. What if it were you? Where would you go?

Verse One

Verse

Verse My people, if you look carefully, no one invites the sufferings of this world. Trouble follows you. People bring troubles to you no matter how much you try to avoid them. If you are in this world and still want to be afraid of poverty, then it is up to you Because poverty is part of man, part of man! And poverty is part of wealth, part of wealth! Wealth has no relation, no relation! Wealth shall leave you!

Chorus x2

Verse Two

Verse

Verse Our little children are returning from the bush with different kinds of problems. Look! They are returning from the bush after immense suffering. Carrying heavy loads, witnessing horrific murders and trekking long distances. Most painful is forcing them to murder against their wish. If it were you, what would you do?

Chorus x2

Verse Three

Verse

Verse There is this issue of returning home. Even so, it has its problems. Go to the villages, there is enmity. There are quarrels. There are land wrangles. There are murders, and there is bloodshed. There are landmines and even deaths. Our cultural leaders, please arbitrate us. Political leaders, please arbitrate us. We grew-up in camps and do not know our land boundaries. Even towns are camps. We do not know our land boundaries.

Appendix 3: “Kano in Kono?” Lyrics

“Kano in Kano? (What If It Were You?)” by Jahria Okwera*

*Used with permission; translated from Acholi (Luo)

Verse One

Verse

Verse My people, why make me cry like that? I feel deep pain in my heart all the time. Whenever I try to sleep, I still feel afraid. Especially when people pinpoint at me all the time. People make mistakes. I ask you To forgive me. It wasn’t my intention to enter the bush. It was all because of force. I was taken forcefully to go and fight. There are many poor people. They force you to arrest others. They force you to loot. They force you to kill. You all, at least welcome me as your child. You, please don’t pinpoint at my back. Don’t talk bad about me all the time, my dear. Since there is no problem now, you help me Like the public and NGOs. I appreciate your words of encouragement. My mind has settled finally. And I have the love for everyone.

Chorus

Verse

Verse What if it were you? Why pinpoint at me? Yet, I never intended to go and fight? What if it were you? Why do you talk bad about me? Take me as a living person also.

Verse Two

Verse

Verse The devil’s in you. Keep looking for God’s people. You relieved us, and even you motivated us. Sharing ideas is something meaningful. My heart is finally settling. I’m getting back to my senses. Now one thing, please. Don’t pinpoint at us. It leaves me with anger. It leaves me with more pain in my heart. People should accept God’s words. You leave every issue with our leaders at home.

Chorus x2

Verse Three

Verse

Verse We beg our people to welcome us all. NGOs welcomed us. World Vision welcomed us. Even GUSCO welcomed us. Even KICWA welcomed us. Watelo Rehabilitation Center We thank the government for introducing amnesty for us. Religious leaders, we thank for encouraging us as you were preparing us for the right life. Show us love so that we remain confident. Give us your words of advice that encourage us for a better and future life.

Chorus x2

Verse Four

Verse

Verse A child who returns, please welcome him or her. An elder who returns, welcome him or her the same way. People should stop pinpointing at the returnees. At this moment, we would like to express our gratitude to NGOs like: World Vision GUSCO KICWA Watelo Rehabilitation Center CCF Caritas War Child