Ep 3. Sound of Torture

Afropop: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange is back with another exciting episode, this time delving into an all-too-real world of torture and trauma. In season 7 episode 3, entitled "Sound of Torture," viewers are taken on a journey through the experiences of musicians and artists who have survived torture and trauma in their native countries.

Throughout the episode, viewers meet a number of musicians who share deeply personal stories of their own experiences with torture and trauma. From Ethiopian singer Gigi, who was imprisoned for her political activism, to Colombian accordionist Anibal Velásquez, who was tortured by paramilitary forces during the country's decades-long civil war, each artist has their own unique story to tell.

Yet despite the darkness of their experiences, what shines through in "Sound of Torture" is the resilience of the human spirit. Each of these musicians has not only survived their trauma, but has also found a way to use their art to heal themselves and others.

For example, viewers will meet Mauritanian musician Noura Mint Seymali, whose hauntingly beautiful songs draw on the traditions of her home country while also incorporating contemporary influences. Yet Seymali's story is also one of strength and resilience: as a young woman, she was imprisoned and tortured for her involvement in a political movement. But despite the trauma she endured, Seymali has emerged as an acclaimed musician and a powerful voice for the people of Mauritania.

Similarly, viewers will be introduced to Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, whose Afrobeat music blended African rhythms with political activism. Kuti was a vocal opponent of Nigeria's military dictatorship, and his music often landed him in trouble with the authorities. Yet Kuti continued to use his music as a tool for social change, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians and activists around the world.

As viewers journey through "Sound of Torture," they will also learn about the ways in which music can be used as a tool for healing and reconciliation. For example, viewers will meet members of the Rwandan National Unity and Reconciliation Commission, who use music and dance to help heal the wounds left by the country's genocide. By bringing together people from different ethnic groups to sing and dance together, the commission is using music as a means of promoting forgiveness and unity.

Ultimately, "Sound of Torture" is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of art. Despite the pain and trauma that these musicians have endured, they have each found a way to use their art to inspire others, to heal themselves, and to promote social change. It is a powerful message for all of us, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope.