Online Reporter
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
AS conversations around xenophobia continue to dominate the continent, Zimbabwean gospel musician Rebecca Manford has found herself at the centre of an important message through her latest single, “One Africa.”
The song has quickly gained momentum on radio stations and digital platforms, with listeners praising its timely message of peace, unity and Pan-Africanism.
From Zimbabwe to neighbouring countries, the track is receiving increased airplay, with many describing it as more than just a song, but a healing anthem for a continent yearning for reconciliation.
Social media has also been awash with messages applauding Manford for using music to confront one of Africa’s most painful realities — the growing divisions among brothers and sisters on the same continent.
The release comes at a time when xenophobic tensions have once again become a major talking point in South Africa, making the song both relevant and necessary.
Music has long been recognised as a powerful tool for reconciliation and social healing, particularly during times of conflict.
Rebecca has steadily built a reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s inspirational gospel voices whose music goes beyond entertainment to tackle pressing social issues.
Earlier this year she released “Zvakwana,” a hard-hitting song confronting gender-based violence and child marriages, further cementing her reputation as an artist committed to using music as an instrument for positive social change.
Speaking about her latest offering, Rebecca said the song was inspired by the need to remind Africans that they belong to one family regardless of nationality.
“This song is for every African who has experienced pain because of xenophobia.
“We cannot continue hurting one another when we share the same roots, the same dreams and the same future.
“Love must always triumph over hate.
“We are one Africa, and together we are stronger,” she said.
She added that the continent’s future depends on unity rather than division.
“Instead of allowing the world to define Africa through conflict and stereotypes, we must begin telling our own stories.
“We know our struggles, but we also know our resilience, our culture, our love and our hope. If we don’t tell our own story, someone else will tell it for us.”
Her sentiments have resonated with many music lovers who believe African creatives have a responsibility to shape positive narratives about the continent.
For years, Africa has often been portrayed through stories of poverty, war and political instability.
Yet across the continent there are countless stories of innovation, resilience, culture, entrepreneurship and unity that deserve global attention.
Through songs such as “One Africa,” artists are reclaiming that narrative and reminding the world that Africans have the power to define themselves.
The song carries a simple but powerful message: borders should never become barriers to humanity.
Whether Zimbabwean, South African, Nigerian, Kenyan, Ghanaian or Congolese, Africans share a common history and destiny.
The dreams of providing for families, pursuing opportunities and living peacefully are universal across the continent.
Listeners have praised the song for encouraging dialogue instead of division. Many have described it as a timely reminder that unity remains Africa’s greatest strength and that compassion is far more powerful than prejudice.
As ‘One Africa’ continues to gain traction across radio stations and online platforms, Rebecca hopes its message will inspire individuals, communities and leaders alike to reject hatred and embrace the spirit of Ubuntu.
Mathew Masinge