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Kenya: Eric Wainaina the Activist
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The Weekly Observer (Kampala)
OPINION
2 July 2008
Posted to the web 3 July 2008
John Vianney Nsimbe
Organisers Zamani couldn't have chosen better than Emin Pasha Hotel on Akii-Bua road, Nakasero for Kenyan musician, Eric Wainaina to showcase his skills. It was worth the while.
Wainaina's music originates from the Kenyan Benga style. He has fused it with Lingala, Reggae, R'n' B and Soul. But he has above all indoctrinated his music with a political and moral activism like he did last Sunday, June 29.
His shows have never been bereft of absorbing entertainment but this one had the markings of a people's fighter; a world without exploitation and abuse. The songs were story telling. One particular story got the audience all ears.
Yes, it was about his beloved Kenya and the political turmoil they faced after the controversial December 2007 Presidential elections. His story was about the number of ministerial positions their country has now.
He joked: "We still have some ministerial vacancies; anyone interested in applying?" This caused laughter.
From the over 170 new vehicles bought from tax-payers' money, Wainaina wrote Fancy Car.
Wainaina, 35, wonders about Zimbabwe. A man organizes elections as a solo candidate and wins without remorse, he said wonderingly. During the thumping music interludes, Wainaina explained that problems are covered up in African society but once they explode, they are hard to contain.
He sang of peace and urged people to be patriotic in his Wanainchi Mzalendo.
His song, Nchi ya kitu kidogo (land of bribery) is a hit in Uganda.
The guests, seated on plastic mats given to them as they entered for the show as a take-home, were having a good time.
Wainaina has been supported by Transparency International for his music against corruption; he won a 2002 Kora award for best East African music and performed at the launch of the International Criminal Court in 2002 at the UN Headquaters, New-York.
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His albums are sold by Zamani.
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