Music, Arts, and Creativity for Social Change.

Interview with Geoffrey Oyoo, Director - Kibera Creative Arts (KiCA)

Kibera Creative Arts (KiCA) is a Community Based Organization (CBO) located at the heart of the Kibera (Nairobi, Kenya). Kibera Creative Arts (KiCA) aims to empower the community of Kibera through Arts both economically and socially. This is achieved through content creation, arts & crafts, performing arts, and mentorship programs.

Street Dance performance, Kibera

There are numerous success stories about actors and musicians rising out of Kibera to the national spotlight. Stars like Mammito, Stivo Simple Boy and Octopizzo are just a few. Why are the arts so important to the Kibera community?

First, Art is a reflection of the community. Through song, dance, comedy, or poetry, everyone can understand what is going on in the community. Recently as the country headed to the ballot, we organized a minishow to remind people that ethnic diversity is something to cherish, not cause rifts in the community. Secondly, art is a tool for education and social control; we use it to attract the audience and deliver the right message. When problems are identified within the community, art can be used to rectify them. It is incredible to see a song carrying a clear message about drug abuse (Vijana tuache mihadarati by Stivo) become a viral hit in the country gaining a million video views. Lastly, art is a way out of poverty.

It's quite obvious the impact of the arts in assisting communities to cope with societal pressures and the proliferation of issues that contemporary life brings. What is the role of KiCA in its society?

Years back, we came together and started KiCA, an organization that brings together different artists in Kibera. We locate and receive artists of all ages, invite them to the organization and give them a space to improve their art and introduce them to the world. The organization provides a creative space, instructors, and volunteers who facilitate lessons for children and adults. Kenya’s top comedienne and influencer, Eunice Mammito is one of the popular celebrities. It is at KiCA that Mammito started her artistic talent. The same goes for Stivo once a roadside singer, whose first hit was produced and directed by Made in Kibera, a production studio established by KiCA.

Mentorship session on drugs and drug abuse

What can you say that KiCA has achieved over the last decade?

KiCA started back in 2006 as an ‘unofficial squad’ of young men, mostly footballers, and artists who went by the name Mtu Sabini. While we wanted to see a change in Kibera, our methods initially were rough. With time, as we offered free sanitization services to families and traders in the area, Mtu Sabini became a positive influence that gained the trust of parents, children, and young adults. Time has seen KiCA formally established and worked with over 2500 artists through different programs such as artists forums, rehearsals and training in film and audio production, arts and crafts, graphic designs, mentorship program, and through organizing events such as Uchaguzi Bila Fujo Concert, Shina Fest, Made In Kibera Live Concert, Songs for justice, and Art Attack festival just to name a few.

The idea of Sustainable Communities is based on the principle that local authorities and local communities share power, resources, and information. How does KiCA work with the community and other stakeholders?

KiCA has gained a lot of partners over the years. Our work would not be possible without bringing in other organizations and institutions. On a local level, the Nairobi City Council/Nairobi metropolitan Services has in the past given waived fees and provided space for our artisans to display and vend their wares. We have also partnered with the Kenya National Theatre and Museums of Kenya through TICAH ( Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health). In 2020, we worked with the Permanent Presidential Music Commission to record songs and provide artists with COVID-19 awareness. In the private sector, we have worked with organizations that share our mission for example the YMCA. We also partner with organizations that help grow our artists e.g. Mvuli Initiative which taught us about copyright and entertainment law.

Young and old, art is appreciated by all

There is a never ended stream of talent and the demand for platforms and creative spaces grows daily. What is the big dream?

The big dream is to build an Art Centre & School with a sustainable curriculum that teaches film, music production, digital art, photography, graphic design, branding, legal, etc., impacting our entire value chain that is all functions of art creation and distribution.

Parting shot

Community is family. It is a voice that effects change. It is also a family that nurtures its people. The community believes in your talent before the rest of the world does. It is everyone’s duty to protect their community and ensure that it is not scattered politically or morally.