Octopizzo: Stand up for what you believe in

When violence broke out in Nairobi’s Kibera slum after the presidential election results were announced, Octopizzo was thrust into the limelight as he called out the police for their excessive use of force while at the same time asking his fellow youth to be calm and protest peacefully. Octopizzo, known for his lyrical mastery, is now a leader in a time of turmoil. He spoke with Karen Muriuki about how the youth can engage in politics and change their lives

Are you surprised we are where we are again this election cycle?

It’s what is has always been for the longest time; not genuine. It has been the same for the last 10-15 years. Same faces, same games. People are still being used. Nothing has really changed.

What should be changed then?

Policies and terms of service. Politicians should only serve for one term, at least. If one does not deliver, they should give others to try do the same. I’m glad that independent candidates were able to get elected this year because people still vote for candidates in specific parties, and not individuals. That means we still have a long way to go.

How can tribalism and politics be delinked in our country?

The only way of doing this is by removing the old leaders, who mostly are tribal, from government. Young people are not tribal at all. As much as there was a bit of violence this year in some areas, it was not caused by tribal differences. It was just the people against the security forces. In music, fans are from different tribes. They do not listen to an artiste based on their tribal background.

What is the role of musicians, or celebrities in the election process?

To stand up and speak out. Many artistes take sides during the campaign period, but that’s okay, because maybe they got paid to do that. But that means selling out your fans, which brings a lot of differences. The same case applies to promoters of peace before the election, who went silent right after the process. It became clear that they were just there for the money.

Young artistes should especially focus on promoting peace at this crucial time, instead of concentrating on music. I mean, who will buy your music if the country is not peaceful? We as artistes play a big role in influencing the youth. We should stand up and be there with them in times of distress. Most people are afraid of being killed for taking their stand, but dying for the right reasons is worth it.

What areas can the youth participate in for the country to thrive as a united nation?

In policy making, as well as in leadership. Most young people follow influential people like bloggers and artistes. They can’t stand up for what they believe in with courage. I might not live in Kibera any more, but the fact that that was my home for 25 years means that I understand what  is really going on. Nothing has changed. If I lived in the United States and I get word of something happening in Kibera, I would fly in immediately. I know and understand the pain of victimisation just because of living in the slum. It’s also sad that politics is left to politicians and people think they have no say in that area.

Youth and jobs, what is the biggest hurdle?

Tribalism. One may be qualified for a specific role in a company but will not get employed just because the boss is from a different tribe. It has also brought about nepotism in the country. If everyone was given a fair share without these differences, we would be very far as a nation, honestly.

You have teamed up with Boniface Mwangi for the Namba Nane Outreach Camp, what is it about?

It’s still an ongoing process. We first aimed at promoting peace among the people, which turned out well. Nobody was burned, no business was robbed but there came the shortage of food because most of the shops were closed. Hungry people tend to go into violence. They break into shops, not because they are criminals, but just because they want to feed themselves and their families. We then made sure that people were well fed by donating foodstuff to these people. The counselling is mostly for the young children who see their parents beaten or even killed, their mothers and sisters get raped, and they cannot speak a word about it. That emotional scar remains on that child for the rest of his/her life. The counselling is periodic. Change cannot be seen after one session of counselling.

How long do you plan on going?

As long as we can. In 2007, people did not really receive counselling. They decided to hide their pain and move on, but as long as the pain is there, that person still remembers what really happened. Which is why we strive to provide a platform where the affected people can share the pain with others.

Do we see politics in your future?

I’m not really interested in politics. I am just doing something that I feel can make a positive impact in people’s lives.

Will you and Mwangi work together more moving forward?

Boniface and I will always be aligned in matters of peace and influencing the young people.

What more can be done to foster peace among Kenyans?

People should engage the young people in whatever they do. They need real leaders who will not only show up for campaigns, but who will engage them in development and policies till the end. Job opportunities should vary. Most of them require college degrees, of which a large number of youth don’t have. Talent among the youth should also be promoted by providing start ups. For example, football academies should be created for those talented in soccer.

Should artistes be endorsing politicians?

To the artistes; do not sell your fans. Let them choose whoever they wanted. Music should be relatable to politics, in that, in the same way that music is for each and every one, an elected leader should be for everyone as well.

To the young people; do not be used by other politicians for their own gains.

Last words?

Know your place and play your part peacefully. Stand up for what you believe in, but in a peaceful manner.

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