Spotify’s New Podcast Focuses On The Struggle For Democracy In Uganda

 Many in the podcast community have questioned the intrusion of large companies into podcasting as Amazon, Sony, and Spotify accumulate resources, shows, networks, and talent. 

However, these companies also bring with them the resources to investigate complex and unsettling issues around the globe. Unlike TV or talk radio with their 24-hour news cycles, podcasting can drill into the issues and maintain a focus that is refreshing in today's media.

Notably Spotify has used its more muscular and fleshed-out podcast network to extend the reach of traditional podcasting. Last year, Spotify released speeches from both major political party speeches, released the speeches of Civil Rights leader John Lewis, and covered the election with a vigorous focus on accuracy.

Today, January 6th, Spotify in partnership with Dreamville Studios is debuting its new documentary podcast, The Messenger, which will focus on prolific Ugandan musician-turned activist, Bobi Wine -  available exclusively on Spotify. 

 The podcast chronicles Wine’s transition from iconic musician to a fearless politician leading a movement to highlight and challenge President Yoweri Museveni’s oppressive 34-year regime over Uganda. The podcast comes just in time for Uganda’s pivotal election next week January 14th 2021, which has already given way to a campaign targeting and violence. 

This marks an unprecedented moment for Ugandan politics as the movement for Black lives has continued to spearhead political uprisings across Africa.  Uganda has not witnessed a peaceful transfer of power since it attained independence in 1962.

Baby Boomers can still remember Ugandan dictator, Idi Amin, whose eight-year reign of terror in Uganda encompassed widespread killing, torture and dispossession of multitudes and left the country's economy and infrastructure decimated. For much of the 1970s, the sadistic and media-crazed despot had reveled in the spotlight of world attention as he flaunted his tyrannical power, and hurled outlandish insults at world leaders.

The podcast is hosted by Dreamville Sudanese-American artist, Bas, and will feature exclusive music from the host and Bobi Wine. This series highlights the political revolutions emerging throughout Africa, often on the backs of successful artists who are using their audiences to unite and dismantle decades of political oppression, violence, and corruption.

 

Listen here for the podcast.  

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Thanks To Arianne Antonio

 

 by

Frank Racioppi