This is one of the biggest propaganda songs ever composed by anyone. It was composed by Franco in 1984 for the Zairean Presidential elections. Mobutu was the only candidate and the election election took the format of a “yes” or “no” vote for Mobutu’s candidacy. According to official results, 99% voted Yes for Mobutu.
Facing many challenges early in his rule, Mobutu converted much opposition into submission through patronage; those he could not co-opt, he dealt with forcefully.
Though Mobutu was the only candidate, he aggressively campaigned all over the country taking his message to the furthest reaches of the country. And this song was a key pillar of his propaganda machine.
Another notable aspect of this song is its extraordinary length. (19 minutes). This is long even for Franco. When the album was released, the song was repeated on both side A and Side B of the record. It was to be distributed free of charge to Zaireans. The album cover did not contain Franco’s name but the song was credited to him.
In Tanzania Samia is exposing the well-oiled neo-fascist regime that has always hidden under a thin veil of democracy. Jailing her opponents on bailable offenses and keeping them in prison until after the elections is an act of desperation. At this point, why is she even campaigning when in practice she is the only candidate?
But the good thing, even after all the extravagance, Mobutu is gone, and no one remembers him fondly