By Chimango Mhone
Wongani Sambo, better known by his stage name Bob Jee, is using his growing influence in Malawi’s music industry to champion a different kind of movement—one against political violence and youth exploitation.
As the country continues to experience waves of unrest during election periods—often involving young people—Bob Jee has emerged as a vocal advocate for peace. His message is simple but powerful: music, not violence, should be the voice of Malawi’s youth.
“We are being used,” he said during a recent youth outreach event in Mzuzu. “And when the damage is done, it’s the same youth left to suffer, not the politicians.”
The artist’s recent track Western Power has struck a deep chord with many young Malawians. The song, which blends Afrobeat with local traditional sounds, carries a potent anti-violence message. Since its release, it has received significant radio airplay and has been featured at community events focused on civic education and peacebuilding.
Bob Jee highlights the root causes behind youth involvement in political violence—unemployment, lack of access to education, and limited platforms for self-expression. These conditions, he says, often leave young people vulnerable to manipulation by political figures seeking to incite unrest.
“Music saved my life,” he told local media. “Now I’m using it to save others from paths that lead nowhere.”
Beyond music, Bob Jee has partnered with several non-governmental organizations to promote youth empowerment through creative platforms. His grassroots campaign, Voice Over Violence, encourages young people to use art, music, and spoken word as tools to express themselves and advocate for peace.
As Malawi looks ahead to future elections, the role of artists like Bob Jee in shaping civic awareness and promoting non-violence is becoming increasingly significant. His message continues to resonate across the country: the power to change lies not in fists or stones, but in voices raised for unity, accountability, and hope.
Image Wongani Sambo
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