On 3 December, Kenyan hip-hop artist Octopizzo
will launch a new album alongside various artists from refugee camps
that he has been working with under the Refugee Art Project.
The album Dubbed Refugeenius, which is a first
of its kind, is a compilation of 18 gospel and secular songs, all
written and performed by refugee artists from the DRC, Ethiopia,
Burundi, Uganda, Somalia and South Sudan. On 22 November Octopizzo
released the single ‘Flalala’ off the album.
Over the past two years, Octopizzo has been working with the artists who live in the Dadaab Refugee Camp complex, Kakuma Camp and Nairobi. The Project is funded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and implemented by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC).
“Through the song (‘Flalala’) Maumau of Somalia and South Sudan artist Happy J, urge leaders of their home countries to respect the flag, which is a symbol of peace,” Octopizzo told Music In Africa via email.
Octopizzo says the album title came about as a result of many people seeing refugees as a problem.
“The word refugee itself now has negative connotations around the world, yet there are many positive things that people seeking asylum can do to support the host country at large, music is one way that these people who seek asylum can impact the communities where they are welcome.”
The album, Octopizzo says, is a way for people around the world to embrace those who seek asylum. Refugeenius is a way to bring out what the positive side of the word and to help people stop thinking that those who seek asylum are a threat. Worldwide, we are all refugees because we migrated from different places to settle where we are today. The “ni” in the word is Swahili for us. Thus Refugee-ni-us 'ni" generally implies Refugees are us, Octopizzo explains.
To date, a total of 133 artists have participated in the music project whose aim is to nurture the talent that exists in the refugee camps and also mentor youth so that they are able to attain sustainable livelihoods through their talents. Besides the album, the event, which will be held at the Prestige Plaza in Nairobi, will serve as the launch for of 14 music videos of the songs and will also feature art exhibitions by refugees.
Describing the Refugeenius album as a collection of masterpieces that will hook and blow audiences away, Octopizzo opines that the intensely creative cinematography, directing and performance by the artists bring the songs to life in a way that will impress audiences again and again.
“This album is a celebration of their human wealth and the genius behind the enterprise and innovation that we see in refugee camps all over the world. It is a statement that they are people like us,” Octopizzo says.
Over the past two years, Octopizzo has been working with the artists who live in the Dadaab Refugee Camp complex, Kakuma Camp and Nairobi. The Project is funded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and implemented by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC).
“Through the song (‘Flalala’) Maumau of Somalia and South Sudan artist Happy J, urge leaders of their home countries to respect the flag, which is a symbol of peace,” Octopizzo told Music In Africa via email.
Octopizzo says the album title came about as a result of many people seeing refugees as a problem.
“The word refugee itself now has negative connotations around the world, yet there are many positive things that people seeking asylum can do to support the host country at large, music is one way that these people who seek asylum can impact the communities where they are welcome.”
The album, Octopizzo says, is a way for people around the world to embrace those who seek asylum. Refugeenius is a way to bring out what the positive side of the word and to help people stop thinking that those who seek asylum are a threat. Worldwide, we are all refugees because we migrated from different places to settle where we are today. The “ni” in the word is Swahili for us. Thus Refugee-ni-us 'ni" generally implies Refugees are us, Octopizzo explains.
To date, a total of 133 artists have participated in the music project whose aim is to nurture the talent that exists in the refugee camps and also mentor youth so that they are able to attain sustainable livelihoods through their talents. Besides the album, the event, which will be held at the Prestige Plaza in Nairobi, will serve as the launch for of 14 music videos of the songs and will also feature art exhibitions by refugees.
Describing the Refugeenius album as a collection of masterpieces that will hook and blow audiences away, Octopizzo opines that the intensely creative cinematography, directing and performance by the artists bring the songs to life in a way that will impress audiences again and again.
“This album is a celebration of their human wealth and the genius behind the enterprise and innovation that we see in refugee camps all over the world. It is a statement that they are people like us,” Octopizzo says.
She joined Utalii college where she completed her studies and currently working in Rainbow resort.On press she said that after joining aftermath modelling agency she has gained a lot under the C.E.O Mr Rydah Aftermath who made her realize that for her to make it up in life and achieve her dreams she has to work hard and stay focused.The damsel loves singing,acting and dancing though she is a model because it has been her dream
She hopes to be the top model in Kenya and the rest of the world.Mary has been inspiring the young nation to show their talents to the world and help promote the industry to the next level.
Every simple idea is manifested from effort and desire to learn and acquire , Mary Wanjiru is an approved model to look up to , few weeks in training but having a promising future.
