Renowned Kenyan artist King Kaka has recently released his latest studio album titled ‘Beshte Yangu,’ coinciding with the significant occasion of World Population Day. This project, developed in collaboration with UNESCO, aims to deliver a powerful message on Positive Masculinity, Mental Health, and HIV Awareness.
The highly anticipated launch event took place at the University of Nairobi, bringing together students from the University of Nairobi and the Kenya Medical Training College, faculty members, and the wider community. The event celebrated the importance of investing in youth education, health, and well-being to establish a sustainable future for individuals and societies.
Expressing his pride in promoting Positive Masculinity, Mental Health, and HIV Awareness, King Kaka emphasized the importance of the song for all young people on the continent. The song, titled ‘Beshte Yangu,’ serves as an appeal to support one another and demonstrate solidarity when facing life’s challenges. King Kaka highlighted the significance of listening to each other and seeking help as crucial aspects of the solution, reassuring men that it’s okay not to be okay.
Young people in Sub-Saharan Africa encounter significant challenges, including high school dropout rates, new HIV infections, gender-based violence (GBV), and early and unintended pregnancies (EUPs). In Kenya, with a population of 47.5 million, addressing the Sexual and Reproductive Health needs of its 7.9 million young people aged 15-24 remains a pressing issue. The country currently has 184,000 young individuals in this age group living with HIV, and 17,000 new infections occur annually.
The ‘Beshte Yangu’ record represents a noble cause aimed at addressing these challenges. The University of Nairobi, Kenya Medical Training College, and UNESCO have come together through the O3 Plus project to increase awareness about HIV, unplanned pregnancies, mental health, and gender-based violence. This initiative emphasizes social accountability, supports health education, establishes an enabling policy environment, and advocates for zero tolerance of harassment and violence.
The O3 Plus project is being implemented across the University of Nairobi’s 10 campuses and 3 Kenya Medical Training College campuses, prioritizing student well-being and fostering a safe environment for all.
Commenting on the song, Prof Iribe Mwangi, the Chairman of the Department of Kiswahili at the University of Nairobi, expressed his happiness that ‘Beshte Yangu’ was launched on World Population Day. He highlighted the educational value of the song, particularly for young people in the country, and expressed his hope that they would grasp the artist’s intended educational message while enjoying the music.
To watch the ‘Beshte Yangu’ record, written and performed by King Kaka, see the video below. You can also stream the song for your listening pleasure.
