One of Limpopo's well-known reggae artists, Ras Lion Munyai, attributes the increasing crime rate in the country to corruption and high unemployment.
Speaking to Limpopo Mirror after his performance at the Live Reggae Music Festival held at the Thohoyandou Indoor Sports Centre, he said that crime also adversely affected the music industry as musicians frequently lost their equipment and faced safety concerns while performing at concerts. He stated, "When we leave for rehearsals, we don't even know if we will return home with our musical instruments as thieves rob us every day."
Ras Lion explained that since the release of his debut reggae album, Positive MaRasta, in 2016, his music had focused extensively on addressing current problems affecting the country. He said that reggae was a revolutionary music genre, historically championed by artists such as Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, who primarily advocated for the liberation of oppressed masses worldwide. In the present context, Ras Lion feels compelled to address problems such as corruption, poverty, and unemployment. However, he noted that reggae artists who spoke truth to power were rarely invited to perform at government functions, with only a few "reggae puppets" who prioritised financial gain being granted such opportunities.
Ras Lion highlighted that corruption and nepotism within the government had caused the deterioration of various aspects in the country. As Rastas, he believes they have the duty to address these matters. He expressed concern that, because of unemployment, individuals were turning to crime for survival. Additionally, he observed that instead of looking up to professionals as role models, the youth idolised criminals who flaunted their wealth through luxury vehicles. Ras Lion further lamented the lack of employment opportunities for even educated individuals, stating that if this trend continued, the country would decline further.
Regarding his own music career, Ras Lion mentioned that he had completed compiling his latest album. However, he cited difficulties in finding recording studios because corruption and greed have caused many studios to close. The remaining studios are often prohibitively expensive. Despite these challenges, Ras Lion remains determined to ensure that his album is recorded soon.