Kenyan singer's song on critic's death earns Basadi In Music Awards reggae nomination

Kenyan singer Cathy Matete has earned a nomination at the Basadi In Music Awards for her song "We Won't Be Silent," a powerful track addressing a controversial incident in her home country. The song, produced by Jamaican Garfield Cowan for Natures Way Entertainment, has secured a nod in the reggae category for Reggae Artiste of The Year.

The fifth Basadi In Music Awards are set to take place on August 7-8 at the Joburg Theater in South Africa. "We Won't Be Silent," released in November, was directly inspired by the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and outspoken critic of the Kenyan government. Ojwang died in police custody in Nairobi in June 2025, an incident that drew widespread global condemnation.

Matete expressed her gratitude for the continental recognition, stating, "To have this message recognised on a continental stage means so much to me. It reminds me that our stories matter, our voices matter and that music has the power to inspire change." She added, "I’m grateful, and I hope this encourages more women to keep telling their stories boldly and unapologetically."

She faces strong competition from other nominees in the Reggae Artiste of The Year category, including South Africa's Shekhinah and Dimahr, and Zimbabwe's Undefynd Musiq. Empress Deevyne, also from South Africa, is nominated for her song "You’re Worthy." "We Won't Be Silent" is also featured on the Roots Rock Reggae compilation album released by Natures Way Entertainment in January, which includes tracks by notable artists like Anthony B and Fantan Mojah.

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To have this message recognised on a continental stage means so much to me. It reminds me that our stories matter, our voices matter and that music has the power to inspire change. I’m grateful, and I hope this encourages more women to keep telling their stories boldly and unapologetically.