Million Voices

Wyclef Jean's song 'Million Voices' is a poignant and powerful reflection on the Rwandan genocide of 1994, a tragic event that saw the mass slaughter of the Tutsi population by the Hutu majority. The song opens with an African chorus, asking when the sun will return above them and who will reveal it once again, symbolizing a longing for hope and renewal in the aftermath of immense suffering.

Throughout the song, Wyclef Jean juxtaposes biblical references with the harsh realities faced by the Rwandan people. He mentions Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego, who were thrown into a fiery furnace but emerged unscathed, contrasting this with his wish that he and others had not been 'burned' by the horrors of Rwanda. This metaphor highlights the deep scars left by the genocide and the desire for divine intervention and protection that went unanswered.

Wyclef also questions the value of Africa in the eyes of the world, lamenting that no amount of money, diamonds, or fortunes can replace the lives lost in Rwanda. He calls for unity, drawing parallels between the United States of America and a hypothetical United States of Africa, as well as the United Kingdom and a united Africa. This plea for solidarity underscores the need for African nations to come together to prevent such atrocities from happening again and to support each other in times of crisis.

The repeated cries of 'Rwanda' and the mention of children emphasize the innocence and vulnerability of the victims, while the call for Jesus and divine intervention reflects a deep spiritual yearning for healing and justice. Wyclef's desire to play his guitar for Rwanda symbolizes his hope to bring comfort and solace through music, offering a form of emotional and cultural healing for a nation in pain.