Some of music’s biggest names, including Chris Martin, Angelique Kidjo and Damon Albarn, have signed a petition calling for the release of Bobi Wine, a Ugandan MP and pop star. He was detained, along with more than 30 other people, in the run-up to last week’s bitterly fought by-election in the north-western town of Arua.
UPDATES: Word is that he has just been released.
The opposition politician, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has been in detention for more than a week.
The musicians have condemned his “vicious” treatment in custody.
Artists have been releasing records asking for the release of Bobi Wine
The petition was started by Rikki Stein, the former manager for Nigerian music legend Fela Kuti – a fearless critic of Nigeria’s military regimes during his lifetime.
“It’s like a re-run of Fela. He was often beaten for speaking out,” he told the BBC.
The more than 80 signatories also include Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, U2 bassist Adam Clayton, The Pretenders lead singer Chrissie Hynde and Genesis lead singer Peter Gabriel.
Audio
Pallaso – Mumuleke (Free Bobi Wine)
Nubian Li Releases “Kilimanyi” Song About Bobi Wine
Annet Nandujja – Empologoma Ye Magere (Free Bobi Wine)
