|
Kahendi: Those are wise words. Have you noticed any changes in the period after the release of the song? Perhaps people are more receptive to the message when it is addressed by youth on the mic?
Mushtakiwa: After releasing the song we have achieved respect since the community has come to know that we were real. We have also noticed that the rates of sexual abuse and infections have declined over time.
Kahendi: Hopefully, this is an indication that the efforts that your group and many others are making to increase awareness and to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS are bearing fruit in the community. Speaking of other groups, have you ever collaborated with other people or groups in addressing social issues?
T.M.C: We've worked with some NGOs like NOPE NPI (Shap) and AFYA 2, which hold outreaches to mobilize people and create awareness about HIV and AIDS.
Kahendi: NGOs do play a critical role in addressing social issues in our continent. I am glad to see that they are actively working with youth from the community in their campaigns to address social issues. How do you relate to other segments of society? Have the music industry, the media and the public been supportive?
Mob Josef: It isn’t easy to get your music played by the media. But the music industry and the public have been quite supportive by listening to what we have to say and giving us positive feedback.
Kahendi: That’s a familiar critique. I have read several interviews in which Kenyan musicians have spoken about how difficult it is to get their music played on various FM radio stations and to get other forms of exposure through the media. I take it this is one of several challenges you face as young musicians?
T.M.C: We face financial challenges. These affect our music in terms of recording, marketing, travelling and, finally, during performances.
Kahendi: Could you tell us about the positive experiences associated with performing? What opportunities do your performances open to you?
Ras P: When performing music we get open doors to meet with promoters, producers, show organisers and big musicians, not forgetting chances to perform at different concerts.
Kahendi: How do you market your music?
Blak D: We sell and market our music through local distributors (hawkers). We also do so by ourselves.
Kahendi: I’m sure many of our readers will want to learn more about you guys and sample some of your music. Do you have a Facebook page?
Maria: We have a Facebook page, MAONO PARKAS, where we get to interact with our fans and where they can watch and listen to our music. We also invite feedback, including their comments, questions and views. They can upload pictures and videos to our page. Anybody can join and can invite others to join too.
Kahendi: That’s great! And finally, do you have any advice for younger musicians who might want to follow the course you’ve charted?
Rose Lou: Be ready to earn every step that you take; that will make you feel that you deserve what you have.
|
Tags
You must be logged in to add tags.
|
Writer Profile
R Kahendi
The opportunity to learn from people from different walks of life has opened my eyes to the larger problems affecting us all.
I enjoy doing creative writing, poetry, and pieces on social issues. You can read some of my writing on my weblogs: KAHENDI'S BLOG, Ouagadougou's Weblog and Kahendi's Korner
|
Comments
You must be a TakingITGlobal member to post a comment. Sign up for free or login.
|
|
