"Biko (Ein deutsches Album)" by Peter Gabriel is a powerful and poignant song that pays tribute to Steve Biko, a prominent anti-apartheid activist in South Africa who tragically lost his life in 1977. Written in both German and English, the song captures the spirit of resistance and the legacy of Biko's courageous fight against racial oppression.
The song opens with a crowd chanting "Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika," which translates to "God bless Africa" in Zulu. This invocation serves as a unifying call for justice and liberation. The repetition of this phrase reinforces the collective strength and determination of the African people in their struggle against apartheid.
In the first verse, Gabriel paints a vivid picture of the time and place where Steve Biko's life was cut short. The mention of Port Elizabeth in September '77 signifies the place and date of Biko's arrest and subsequent death while in police custody. Gabriel adds a bittersweet touch to the narrative by referencing the sunshine ("Sonnenschein") and emphasizing the silence and stillness that followed, except for a single creaking chair, perhaps symbolizing the absence of Biko's voice.
The chorus, "Oh Biko, Biko, because Biko / Yihla moja, yihla moja / Er ist tot" (translated as "Oh Biko, Biko, because Biko / Go forward, go forward / He is dead"), mourns the loss of Biko, capturing the grief and anger felt by those who admired him. The repetition of Biko's name reflects the enduring impact of his life and death on Gabriel and the broader struggle for justice.
In the second verse, Gabriel uses a metaphorical image of lighting a candle to represent the limited impact of individual actions in the face of oppression. Despite starting with a small flame, a gust of wind can quickly escalate it into a larger fire. This imagery suggests that every person's small act of resistance has the potential to ignite a much larger movement, echoing Biko's own belief in the power of individual and collective action.
Continuing with the chorus, Gabriel reiterates Biko's name as a cry for justice, emphasizing the need to honor his memory by carrying on the fight against systemic racism and oppression. The phrase "Yihla moja" in Zulu means "go forward," which can be seen as a call to action, urging listeners to continue the struggle for justice in Biko's absence.
In the third verse, Gabriel reflects on the oppressive reality of living in a racially divided society. The line "I only dream in red" suggests that the world is seen through the lens of bloodshed and violence, symbolizing the suffering and pain endured by those fighting against apartheid. Gabriel contrasts this with the line "The world outside is black and white," signifying the stark contrast between the binary nature of racial oppression and the vibrant diversity of the human experience.
The chorus once again mourns the loss of Biko and reinforces the urgency to confront and dismantle the oppressive systems that lead to his death. The repetition of "Er ist tot" solidifies the reality and finality of Biko's passing while serving as a sober reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice that he represented.
The post-chorus takes on a more powerful tone, with Gabriel proclaiming that everyone is now witnessing the ongoing struggle. The repeated line "Sie sind da" (translated as "They are there") underscores the idea that the world is watching, and the fight for justice must continue in the name of Steve Biko and all those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of equality.
The song concludes with the crowd once again chanting "Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika," symbolizing the timeless and universal nature of the struggle against oppression. The repetition of "Nkosi Sikelela!" serves as a rallying cry, uniting listeners and urging them to carry on the fight for justice and equality.
In "Biko (Ein deutsches Album)," Peter Gabriel captures the essence of Steve Biko's life and the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Using powerful imagery, emotional vocals, and a blend of languages, Gabriel pays tribute to Biko's legacy while reminding listeners of the importance of continuing the fight against oppression. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of music as a tool for social change and a call for justice in the face of adversity.