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'Free West Papua' is written and produced by Thuthukani Cele, now of the One People Band, with vocals from Sister Phumi Maduna, Thuthkani Cele and a very powerful message by Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Benny Wenda.

In West Papua all freedom songs are banned, along with raising the national flag, the 'Morning Star' which can carry a 15 year prison sentence...or worse. Over 500,000 indigenous West Papuans have been killed, imprisoned or disappeared over the last 50 years in a “silent genocide”. People live in fear for their lives. A media ban as well as human rights organisations being prevented from working there means that West Papua doesn't get much coverage in mainstream media.

Lucky Dube's songs however, are played, and LOUDLY at pro independence demonstrations on the streets of the capital, Jayapura and in every town and on cellphones across the land. 
“We always demonstrate with Lucky Dube's song playing because the song makes everyone strong for the fight, with more energy, with the spirit of Dube, because his songs are about protesting, for everyone to live happily with no discrimination” explains a West Papuan activist.

Back in 2007, on the day of Lucky Dube's funeral, people marched on the streets of Jayapura in West Papua. It was a national day of mourning. The West Papuan independence movement had lost a hero.

“I was in Jayapura when Dube died. We had a long march and then a celebration of his life”, West Papuan activist.

When Mr Wenda met with Sister Phumi and Thuthukani to tell them about Dube’s spirit and his music's fame in West Papua, they had no idea just how much his spirit was alive in this Melanesian land. Magic was made that day.

“Music contains the human spirit, so music can bring the change, not only to a political campaign, or a human rights campaign, but music can bring change to opinions and to people's mind sets… For me it is very important. The song can contribute a big part to the struggle itself. Freedom, justice, democracy & independence” Benny Wenda.

Please play it loud and share it far and wide: Free West Papua

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"'Free West Papua'" by former members of Lucky Dube's band: Sister Phumi Maduna and Thuthukani Cele with Benny Wenda. 

Written & produced by Thuthukani Cele, now of The One People Band. Vocals, Sister Phumi Maduna, Thuthukanicele & Benny Wenda.

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Sayur Phaqiz Makucula