Dr Rostislava Pashkevitch – Ngobeni
Tshwane University of Technology
Breaking the Silence with Reggae Music
ABSTRACT
This paper investigates the role of reggae music in the cultural discourse on gender-based violence (GBV), focusing on its dual identity as both a mirror of societal norms and a catalyst for resistance. While music can perpetuate gender stereotypes, it also holds the potential to challenge oppressive structures and inspire collective action. Reggae’s deep roots in themes of justice, liberation, and social critique position it uniquely to interrogate and resist the cultural foundations of GBV.
The study centres on contextual analysis of selected reggae songs from both Jamaican and South African artists, spanning from the 1970s to the present. Songs by artists such as Bob Marley, Queen Ifrica, and South Africa’s Carlos DjeDje are critically examined to assess how they confront or, at times, reinforce patriarchal ideologies. This analysis is informed by a proposed new theory Urban Cultural Resistance Music Pedagogy (UCRMP) that the researcher is working on.
A key contribution of this paper lies in its interrogation of reggae’s capacity to shape attitudes and behaviours through its lyrical narratives, rhythms of resistance, and transnational reach. Rather than assuming an inherent progressiveness, the research probes the complexities within reggae’s messaging.
Geographically, the study focuses on reggae's impact in Southern Africa and the Caribbean, examining how the genre travels, translates, and resonates in different sociocultural contexts. Temporally, it traces reggae’s engagement with GBV discourse across decades, reflecting evolving awareness and activist strategies.
The study proposes ways in which music can complement formal GBV strategies within community outreach, education, and policy advocacy.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr Rostislava Pashkevitch - Ngobeni is an accomplished interdisciplinary artist, researcher, and educator with a focus on exploring the intersections of art and social justice, and cultural identity. Her artistic practice spans multiple mediums, including music, performance, and multidisciplinary arts with a strong emphasis on using creative expression as a tool for activism and community engagement. As an artivist, she has collaborated on numerous projects aimed at raising awareness about social challenges and inspiring transformative change.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Pashkevitch is a dedicated academic, holding PhD Musicology (Music and Dance). Pashkevitch’s contributions to the global artivism movement have earned her recognition as a thought leader in the field. She continues to empower communities and inspire future generations of artists to use their voices and talents as instruments for justice and societal progress. Her current research is focused on reggae music and developing a new theory.