Audio By Carbonatix
Burundi’s First Lady Denise Nkurunziza has released a song to campaign against the abuse women face when they cannot get pregnant.
The video clip opens with a scene of a wife welcoming her husband home and inviting him to eat dinner, only to be spat at and beaten up by him.
"You are of no use in this house," he says.
"Your belly is always full of beans, while other women’s bellies are full of babies."
Mrs Nkurunziza, 49, then intervenes, walking into the childless couple’s sitting room.
She strikes a conciliatory tone, explaining: "You only know for sure about infertility after seeing the doctor.
"Infertility can happen to men or women."
In the next scene, the first lady then breaks into song, dancing alongside other dancers and musicians.
"Women are not created just to be called mothers. They are capable of much more," the chorus goes.
Mrs Nkurunziza, who has been married to President Pierre Nkurunziza since 1994, called on husbands to support their wives.
"Fertility involves two people and infertility should not be a source of conflict," she sings.
The first couple, who have five children together and have adopted several others, are known to be religious and regularly organise prayer gatherings.
Mrs Nkurunziza, who once worked as an immigration officer, is an ordained pastor.
Her newly released song - Umukenyezi Arengeye Kuvyara Gusa (A Woman is More than Just Giving Birth) - which was shared on WhatsApp earlier this week seems to be the first time she has sung in a secular video. Mrs Nkurunziza has sometimes featured in religious tracks, featuring a church choir.
The four-minute plus video has also been shared on Facebook:
The first lady has won praise from many on social media for the message in her latest video, though some have said men can also face abuse from their spouses.
In Burundi’s patriarchal society, couples are made to feel ashamed if they do not have children - and their infertility is usually blamed on the woman.
Some couples even break up as a result.
Mrs Nkurunziza, who has been married to President Pierre Nkurunziza since 1994, called on husbands to support their wives.
"Fertility involves two people and infertility should not be a source of conflict," she sings.
The first couple, who have five children together and have adopted several others, are known to be religious and regularly organise prayer gatherings.
Mrs Nkurunziza, who once worked as an immigration officer, is an ordained pastor.
Her newly released song - Umukenyezi Arengeye Kuvyara Gusa (A Woman is More than Just Giving Birth) - which was shared on WhatsApp earlier this week seems to be the first time she has sung in a secular video. Mrs Nkurunziza has sometimes featured in religious tracks, featuring a church choir.
The four-minute plus video has also been shared on Facebook:
The first lady has won praise from many on social media for the message in her latest video, though some have said men can also face abuse from their spouses.
In Burundi’s patriarchal society, couples are made to feel ashamed if they do not have children - and their infertility is usually blamed on the woman.
Some couples even break up as a result.DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Gold extends losing streak on expectations of tighter policy from central banks
19 seconds -
GTEC orders Royal Nursing College to refund fees to level 100 and 200 students after closure
40 minutes -
Africa! Arise and move : A philosophical awakening for Africa in a changing world
43 minutes -
Minority demands independent probe into fatal Tema microlight crash
45 minutes -
We’ll soon procure a chemistry analyser—Sissala East MP assures
1 hour -
“We saw things that should never happen again” – Hugo Broos criticises AFCON 2025 hosting
1 hour -
Deputy Health Minister tours Bono East, Ahafo ahead of free primary healthcare rollout, raises concern over low doctor retention
1 hour -
Trump administration seeks $200bn in military funding in wake of Iran war
2 hours -
Precious International School and God Reigns Academy secure semifinal spots in 2026 Luv FM VitaMilk primary schools quiz
2 hours -
Parliament ratifies Ghana–Barari DV lithium deal amid minority rejection
2 hours -
Decency, modesty, and legality: National Chief Imam issues Eid-Al-Fitr 2026 guidance
3 hours -
No more extravagant funerals: Tema Traditional Council sets tough new rules
3 hours -
World Cup 2026: Litina Travels secures Sports Ministry endorsement to facilitate Ghanaian fan travel
3 hours -
Perform or be dissolved: Gov’t bans bonuses for loss-making SOEs
3 hours -
Photos: Mahama cuts sod for 24-hour economy market at Dormaa Ahenkro
3 hours
