Kenyan artists to hold tribute concert for drought victims

4 Apr 2017 - 15:33

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

Kenyan musicians have rallied behind the 3 million Kenyans facing starvation in a drought that, according to the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), has affected 23 of the country’s 47 counties. Artists will hold a live music event named The Hunger Relief Concert in Nairobi on 15 April from 11am to 5pm, a culmination of a three-week food and cash donation drive.

Makadem is one of the artists performing on 15 April. Photo: Metta Metta Art

The August 7th Memorial Park will be the base for the initiative serving as a food collection point, information centre and eventually the location for the upcoming concert. This is a partnership between the park, the KRCS and stakeholders in the music industry.

“We want to increase awareness about the Kenyans facing food insecurity and also give musicians an opportunity to use their art in service of their community,” Mathewmatix’s Entertainment director Mathew Rabala, who is also a member of Gravitti Band and one of the organisers of the drive, said.

Benga music maestro Makadem says it is important that artists take part in this initiative because they are beneficiaries of the Kenyan population. He says it is time for them to give back.

Makadem will be performing at the concert alongside Sage, Gravitti Band, Lavosti, Octave Band, Rekindle, Raay, Fadhilee, Abbih Nguma, Lydia Ogoti, Noel Nderitu, Ricky na Marafiki, Judith Bwire, Andrew Ngatia, Motra, Kombo and Afro Simba, Felix Amuray, Valentine Zikki, Kalahi, Ayrosh, Kibali Muriithi, Chris Masika, Muema Nzomo, Chiluba, Moran Music, Ythera, Zeshari, Jemedari and TuneDem Band.

Calling on artists to bring out-of-the-box solutions to the problems facing Kenya, Muriithi Kibali, the initiative's communications liaison said: "There are artists who are resourceful mobilisers, who know how to effect long-term solutions to problems like drought. They should do more than sing, they should use all their skills and knowledge".

The park’s general manager, Natasha Mbugguss, said: “May the innocent victims of this drought be reassured that we stand together with them through this difficult time”.

Well-wishers are invited to donate food such as rice, maize flour, pulses (green grams, beans), cooking oil and salt. All food should be fortified and certified.

They can also donate directly to the KRCS through these mobile payment options:

M-Pesa Paybill number: 10000

Account name: Drought

Airtel Money Business Name: Red Cross

Account name: Drought

EazzyPay Paybill number: 200000

Account name: Drought

Hunger Relief Concert