Arusha — Hip hop is the voice of expression of the new generation. While Bongo Flava fills our ears and girls in small clothes blind our eyes on TV, the true message of hip hop, social justice, is still alive in the streets. Unfortunately out of reach to many, but not forgotten by young, idealistic rap artists today, who are on a mission to improve the social conditions of their country, through their music.

DIRA is a project started by NGO Aang Serian - House of Peace, planned to enable young, talented artists to express themselves and gain skills for their future. The project has just finished the first edition and is releasing an album with a taste of the attitude of the youth. They don't rap about money and clothes, but spread the news of the streets, how people struggle with problems like unemployment, disease and violence every day.

All the youth involved, including a 19-year old lady by the artist name Disminder, joined the project because they share a passion for music and want to explain the conditions in the streets to a larger audience. They rap about their lives, problems in their country and other burning issues including environment and war. "People in the streets should be heard" says a young MC titled GMG, 22 years old, hoping that things will change for the better.

DIRA aims to teach young people important skills about music and performing as well as knowledge about health issues and entrepreneurship. William, age 25, wants to learn how to play various musical instruments and study about the history and culture of hip hop. The aim of the project is that the sound of the local hip hop could become more original and more recognized. Incorporating tribal instruments is the next step to include native origins into the new music scene.

DIRA is about to start their second phase, with more education about instruments and music theory - the motivation of the youth is strong. "Everyone wants to be a superstar" states Him Tight, another member of the project. This solidifies a lot of hip hop ideology: artists want a reputation, to be respected and recognized, but for their message rather than their plain appearance. This raises the ultimate dilemma of rap music, not overcome in the big USA nor in East Africa. The corporate media dictates the music flow and the artists who make it into the big money market are the ones who 'don't upset anyone' and just sound and look nice on a screen. The mindless entertainment flow may swallow up many honest messengers of the real conditions. Ideally, no artist, no media and no listener should forget the true message of hip hop: It is about social justice and it is for the people.

Dira artists will perform this week. Keep your eyes open for posters.