We Won’t Be Silent, a song by Kenyan singer Cathy Matete about a controversial incident in her country, has been nominated in the reggae category of the Basadi In Music Awards.

The song, produced by Jamaican Garfield Cowan for Natures Way Entertainment, earns her a nod for Reggae Artiste of The Year. The fifth Basadi In Music Awards is scheduled for August 7-8 at Joburg Theater in South Africa.

Released last November, We Won’t Be Silent was inspired by the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher, in June 2025. A vocal critic of the Kenyan government, he was arrested by police and died in custody in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital.

The incident was condemned globally.

“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,” said Matete. “I’m grateful, and I hope this encourages more women to keep telling their stories boldly and unapologetically.”

Shekhinah of South Africa (What Are We); Undefynd Musiq of Zimbabwe (Beacon); Dimahr of South Africa (Ancient Waters); and Empress Deevyne of South Africa (You’re Worthy), are the other Basadi In Music Awards Reggae Artiste of The Year nominees.

We Won’t be Silenced is part of the Roots Rock Reggae compilation album released by Natures Way Entertainment in January. It also has songs by Anthony B, Fantan Mojah, Ginjah and Zamunda.

— Howard Campbell