“We must continue to come up with more avenues to tap the amazing talent and skills that refugees have.”
A refugee artist, entertains guests at the Dadaab Gala. ; In 2015, UNHCR launched the Artists for Refugees Initiative- an Art, Music and Culture project that aims to nurture the talent that exists in the camps and mentor youth so that they are able to attain sustainable livelihoods through their talents. In 2016, Refugee music artistes in Nairobi, Dadaab and Kakuma worked under the mentorship of Octopizzo and his team in a process that culminated in the production of both audio and music videos and an album dubbed “Refugeenius.” The main outcome of the 2017 project will be to enhance refugee livelihoods while cascading the lessons learnt from the facilitators through training refugees in the camps in order to build their capacity and improve their access to alternative livelihood opportunities. It also seeks to create a positive public opinion towards refugees so that their skills and talents can be appreciated all over the world.
Refugee musicians and artists performed at a special gala day designed to showcase talent and performance ability among young refugees, at Dadaab Refugee Camp on Saturday 14th October 2017. Nearly 60 refugees took part in the event held at UNHCR – the UN Refugee Agency, grounds in Dadaab.
Among them was Thoan Yoal Gaga, a 23-year old South Sudanese refugee who has lived in Dadaab for the last 3 years. Thoan performed a duet called ‘First Time’ with fellow refugee Dolek Kuany Deng. The pop song got the guests up on their feet and dancing. Their performance was followed by a moving song called Gore kon chieng kel (we must stay together in harmony). What made the song so special is that it was performed by Gaga, a wheelchair bound energetic artist from Ifo 1, one of four camps that make up Dadaab refugee complex. Gaga’s performance was electrifying, lively and rhythmic.
“I would like to prove to the world that disability is not inability. We, the disabled, are as talented as the able-bodied artists, and just need a platform to showcase what we can do,” Gaga said during the event.
The artists who performed are all being trained by the Kenyan hip hop star Octopizzo.
The training in Dadaab started in 2016 and so far 118 artists have been coached. Some have recorded their music, and some have had opportunities and platforms to showcase their talents.
‘I would like to prove to the world that disability is not inability.’
The goal of the project, known as ‘Artists for Refugees’, is to enhance and develop artistic ability among refugees enough for them to make a living. The aim is to show that refugees are as talented as ordinary citizens, while helping them develop skills around marketing their songs.
Another artists who electrified the crowd was Ntakirutimana Nandege, a 24 year old female artist from Burundi and who has been a refugee in Daadab for nearly 2 years. Her rendition of Ndagushime (I thank You God), a song in her native Kirundi language, praised God for his blessings. The song nearly moved some of the guests to tears.
“Despite the challenges of living as a refugee, God continues to protect us and I must thank him for that,” she said. She added that it was her faith in God and belief in her ability to be commercially successful as a musician that motivated her to her.
Musical performances only made up part of the gala day. Visual artists, painters and sculptors also had their work on display.
Refugee artists hold signs proclaiming #ArtistsForRefugees after the event. ; In 2015, UNHCR launched the Artists for Refugees Initiative- an Art, Music and Culture project that aims to nurture the talent that exists in the camps and mentor youth so that they are able to attain sustainable livelihoods through their talents. In 2016, Refugee music artistes in Nairobi, Dadaab and Kakuma worked under the mentorship of Octopizzo and his team in a process that culminated in the production of both audio and music videos and an album dubbed “Refugeenius.” The main outcome of the 2017 project will be to enhance refugee livelihoods while cascading the lessons learnt from the facilitators through training refugees in the camps in order to build their capacity and improve their access to alternative livelihood opportunities. It also seeks to create a positive public opinion towards refugees so that their skills and talents can be appreciated all over the world.
Two refugee artists entertain guests during the Dadaab Gala. ; In 2015, UNHCR launched the Artists for Refugees Initiative- an Art, Music and Culture project that aims to nurture the talent that exists in the camps and mentor youth so that they are able to attain sustainable livelihoods through their talents. In 2016, Refugee music artistes in Nairobi, Dadaab and Kakuma worked under the mentorship of Octopizzo and his team in a process that culminated in the production of both audio and music videos and an album dubbed “Refugeenius.” The main outcome of the 2017 project will be to enhance refugee livelihoods while cascading the lessons learnt from the facilitators through training refugees in the camps in order to build their capacity and improve their access to alternative livelihood opportunities. It also seeks to create a positive public opinion towards refugees so that their skills and talents can be appreciated all over the world.
Refugee artists and guests pose for a group photo at the end of the gala. ; In 2015, UNHCR launched the Artists for Refugees Initiative- an Art, Music and Culture project that aims to nurture the talent that exists in the camps and mentor youth so that they are able to attain sustainable livelihoods through their talents. In 2016, Refugee music artistes in Nairobi, Dadaab and Kakuma worked under the mentorship of Octopizzo and his team in a process that culminated in the production of both audio and music videos and an album dubbed “Refugeenius.” The main outcome of the 2017 project will be to enhance refugee livelihoods while cascading the lessons learnt from the facilitators through training refugees in the camps in order to build their capacity and improve their access to alternative livelihood opportunities. It also seeks to create a positive public opinion towards refugees so that their skills and talents can be appreciated all over the world.
A refugee artist entertains guests at the Dadaab Gala. ; In 2015, UNHCR launched the Artists for Refugees Initiative- an Art, Music and Culture project that aims to nurture the talent that exists in the camps and mentor youth so that they are able to attain sustainable livelihoods through their talents. In 2016, Refugee music artistes in Nairobi, Dadaab and Kakuma worked under the mentorship of Octopizzo and his team in a process that culminated in the production of both audio and music videos and an album dubbed “Refugeenius.” The main outcome of the 2017 project will be to enhance refugee livelihoods while cascading the lessons learnt from the facilitators through training refugees in the camps in order to build their capacity and improve their access to alternative livelihood opportunities. It also seeks to create a positive public opinion towards refugees so that their skills and talents can be appreciated all over the world.
A refugee artist, entertains guests at the Dadaab Gala. ; In 2015, UNHCR launched the Artists for Refugees Initiative- an Art, Music and Culture project that aims to nurture the talent that exists in the camps and mentor youth so that they are able to attain sustainable livelihoods through their talents. In 2016, Refugee music artistes in Nairobi, Dadaab and Kakuma worked under the mentorship of Octopizzo and his team in a process that culminated in the production of both audio and music videos and an album dubbed “Refugeenius.” The main outcome of the 2017 project will be to enhance refugee livelihoods while cascading the lessons learnt from the facilitators through training refugees in the camps in order to build their capacity and improve their access to alternative livelihood opportunities. It also seeks to create a positive public opinion towards refugees so that their skills and talents can be appreciated all over the world.
A guest proudly shows off her beautifully 'hennad' hands. ; In 2015, UNHCR launched the Artists for Refugees Initiative- an Art, Music and Culture project that aims to nurture the talent that exists in the camps and mentor youth so that they are able to attain sustainable livelihoods through their talents. In 2016, Refugee music artistes in Nairobi, Dadaab and Kakuma worked under the mentorship of Octopizzo and his team in a process that culminated in the production of both audio and music videos and an album dubbed “Refugeenius.” The main outcome of the 2017 project will be to enhance refugee livelihoods while cascading the lessons learnt from the facilitators through training refugees in the camps in order to build their capacity and improve their access to alternative livelihood opportunities. It also seeks to create a positive public opinion towards refugees so that their skills and talents can be appreciated all over the world.
Guests purchase paintings from refugee artists during the Dadaab Gala. Pieces of painting cost between Kshs. 2,000 and Kshs. 10,000 depending on the size. ; In 2015, UNHCR launched the Artists for Refugees Initiative- an Art, Music and Culture project that aims to nurture the talent that exists in the camps and mentor youth so that they are able to attain sustainable livelihoods through their talents. In 2016, Refugee music artistes in Nairobi, Dadaab and Kakuma worked under the mentorship of Octopizzo and his team in a process that culminated in the production of both audio and music videos and an album dubbed “Refugeenius.” The main outcome of the 2017 project will be to enhance refugee livelihoods while cascading the lessons learnt from the facilitators through training refugees in the camps in order to build their capacity and improve their access to alternative livelihood opportunities. It also seeks to create a positive public opinion towards refugees so that their skills and talents can be appreciated all over the world.
Guests give a standing ovation to an artist at the conclusion of a performance. ; In 2015, UNHCR launched the Artists for Refugees Initiative- an Art, Music and Culture project that aims to nurture the talent that exists in the camps and mentor youth so that they are able to attain sustainable livelihoods through their talents. In 2016, Refugee music artistes in Nairobi, Dadaab and Kakuma worked under the mentorship of Octopizzo and his team in a process that culminated in the production of both audio and music videos and an album dubbed “Refugeenius.” The main outcome of the 2017 project will be to enhance refugee livelihoods while cascading the lessons learnt from the facilitators through training refugees in the camps in order to build their capacity and improve their access to alternative livelihood opportunities. It also seeks to create a positive public opinion towards refugees so that their skills and talents can be appreciated all over the world.
Ambasseh entertains guests with his song 'Walisema' (they said). ; In 2015, UNHCR launched the Artists for Refugees Initiative- an Art, Music and Culture project that aims to nurture the talent that exists in the camps and mentor youth so that they are able to attain sustainable livelihoods through their talents. In 2016, Refugee music artistes in Nairobi, Dadaab and Kakuma worked under the mentorship of Octopizzo and his team in a process that culminated in the production of both audio and music videos and an album dubbed “Refugeenius.” The main outcome of the 2017 project will be to enhance refugee livelihoods while cascading the lessons learnt from the facilitators through training refugees in the camps in order to build their capacity and improve their access to alternative livelihood opportunities. It also seeks to create a positive public opinion towards refugees so that their skills and talents can be appreciated all over the world.
Disability is not inability. Gaga moved the audience with his songs which were full of energy and inspiration messages. ; In 2015, UNHCR launched the Artists for Refugees Initiative- an Art, Music and Culture project that aims to nurture the talent that exists in the camps and mentor youth so that they are able to attain sustainable livelihoods through their talents. In 2016, Refugee music artistes in Nairobi, Dadaab and Kakuma worked under the mentorship of Octopizzo and his team in a process that culminated in the production of both audio and music videos and an album dubbed “Refugeenius.” The main outcome of the 2017 project will be to enhance refugee livelihoods while cascading the lessons learnt from the facilitators through training refugees in the camps in order to build their capacity and improve their access to alternative livelihood opportunities. It also seeks to create a positive public opinion towards refugees so that their skills and talents can be appreciated all over the world.
An artist sings and dances during the Dadaab Gala. ; In 2015, UNHCR launched the Artists for Refugees Initiative- an Art, Music and Culture project that aims to nurture the talent that exists in the camps and mentor youth so that they are able to attain sustainable livelihoods through their talents. In 2016, Refugee music artistes in Nairobi, Dadaab and Kakuma worked under the mentorship of Octopizzo and his team in a process that culminated in the production of both audio and music videos and an album dubbed “Refugeenius.” The main outcome of the 2017 project will be to enhance refugee livelihoods while cascading the lessons learnt from the facilitators through training refugees in the camps in order to build their capacity and improve their access to alternative livelihood opportunities. It also seeks to create a positive public opinion towards refugees so that their skills and talents can be appreciated all over the world.
Noor Ali Mudey, a Somali artist who has lived in Dadaab for 16 years, showcased some of his paintings. His pieces depict a variety of life situations in the refugee camps.
“Art has fed my family and provided for other needs. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and DRC, the Danish Refugee Council, have given us lots of opportunities to grow. For instance, at today’s gala, I sold ten art pieces and have made US$ 150. I call on the donor community to support us as there are very many artists who require exposure to grow.”
Also on display was the art of henna painting, used from time immemorial to dye skin, hair, hands and legs, and other parts of the human body, as a sign of social celebrations and holidays.
Henna painting is practiced in many parts of the Horn of Africa. For US$ 5, guests had their arms painted with patterns of their choice that had already been prepared and emblazoned on fabric and displayed for them to choose from.
Henna artists, who have been trained by renowned cartoonist and illustrator Victor Ndula, got so many customers at the gala that it was difficult to keep up with demand.
‘Art has fed my family and provided for other needs.’
“There are so many people asking for henna, that we are even finding it difficult to keep up. In fact, at some point we ran out of dyes but new supplies have arrived,” said Amina Mohamed, a henna artist and refugee since the age of 12. She wiped away tears of joy as she finalized on a flower pattern on a client’s arm. “We thank the UN Refugee Agency for organizing this forum for us to come and earn a livelihood.”
At the end of the gala, both the performing and visual artists were treated to contemporary music by the resident Disco Jockey.
“We aim to empower refugees through art and we must continue to nurture their talent. It is through providing livelihood opportunities like the Artists For Refugees initiative that refugees can be truly independent. We must continue to come up with more avenues to tap the amazing talent and skills that refugees have,” said Aicha Limam, UNHCR Deputy Head of Operations, who attended the event.
Guests during the gala included refugees, Kenyans from the host community, UNHCR staff, partner organisations, and government officials based in Dadaab.
At the end of 2017, Artists for Refugees will perform at another gala organized in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city.
In 2015, UNHCR launched the Artists for Refugees Initiative- an art, music and culture project that aims to nurture the talent that exists in the camps and mentor youth so that they are able attain sustainable livelihoods through their talents.
In 2016, Refugee performing artists in Nairobi, Dadaab and Kakuma worked under the mentorship of Octopizzo and his team in a process that culminated in the production of both audio and music videos and an album titled Refugeenius. The Refugeenius album is available on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/ke/album/refugeenius/id1180044348).
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