Biko

Peter Gabriel's 'Biko' is a poignant tribute to South African anti-apartheid activist Stephen Bantu Biko, who died in police custody in September 1977. The song serves as a powerful protest against the brutality of the apartheid regime and a call to remember the sacrifice of a man who stood for racial equality. The opening lines set the scene of Biko's death, referencing the date and location, and the chilling 'business as usual' attitude of the police, highlighting the systemic nature of the violence and oppression.

The chorus, 'Oh Biko, Biko, because Biko,' followed by 'Yihla Moja, Yihla Moja / The man is dead,' is a mournful refrain that emphasizes the loss of Biko and the impact of his death. 'Yihla Moja' is a Xhosa phrase meaning 'let the spirit come down,' invoking a spiritual call for justice and remembrance. The vivid imagery of dreaming in red and the world being black and white with 'only one colour dead' reflects the stark racial divisions of apartheid and the bloodshed it entailed.

The metaphor of a fire that cannot be extinguished by blowing out a candle symbolizes the enduring spirit of resistance that Biko's death ignited. The song suggests that his legacy will continue to inspire and that the struggle for freedom, like a fire fanned by the wind, will only grow stronger. The closing lines, 'And the eyes of the world are watching now,' serve as a reminder that the international community is aware and concerned, and that the fight against injustice is a global responsibility.