This paper examines the relevance of Karl Marx’s theory of commodity fetishism in African postcolonial contexts, using Malawian reggae artist Evison Matafale’s 1999 song, “Olakwa Ndani?” (“Who is to Blame?”) as a case study. Developed initially to critique European industrial capitalism, commodity fetishism explains how social relations and labour become hidden behind a commodity’s perceived intrinsic value. In urban African settings, this shift towards alternative ways of knowing, including religion, spirituality, kinship, and culture, expresses resistance that aligns with Africans’ lived experiences. Therefore, Marx’s concept provides a strong framework for understanding the cultural, political, and economic critique present in Matafale’s reggae resistance. This paper argues that Matafale’s music acts as a counter-hegemonic narrative, revealing the material and spiritual alienation caused by capitalism and colonialism.

Source: The Guardian March 07, 2026 16:44 UTC