Lyrical Uprising: How Oromo Youth Utilize Songs as Weapon of Political Resistance in Burayu Town, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

This article highlights the crucial role of protest songs in the fight of Ethiopian youth against authoritarianism, using the example of youth protests in Oromia from 2014 to 2018. The research, conducted in Burayu Town in Ethiopia's Oromia Regional State, demonstrates that songs are essential resources for young people's political mobilization. By providing shared political aims and objectives, protest songs guide young people towards specific political goals, fostering shared identities and points of reference. The power of these songs lies in their ability to unite, reinforce, and disseminate a common identity and set of beliefs that inspire young people to engage in political action. Qualitative techniques such as focus groups, casual talks, and interviews were used to gather information, and both primary and secondary data sources were necessary to research young people's political mobilization. The results show that protest songs have the power to educate and prepare young people for political engagement. Through these songs, many members of the community learned about the injustice and suffering prevalent in Oromia, which raised public awareness of the political climate in the country. As a result, protest songs played a significant role in forming a unique young political organization that was established for political action. They also gave young people a sense of agency for political mobilization.