‘Music Is Our Weapon’ is a documentary film written and directed by Taye Balogun, chronicling the journey of Sarabi – a Kenyan based band.
Sarabi, a Swahili word meaning ‘The Mirage”, is this one dynamic band echoing beyond East Africa. Notorious for its explosively energetic on stage performance, lately, this young band has garnered international attention – rising from the slums of Nairobi to international stardom.
Persistently believing music is a weapon for ‘change’, the slum-rooted band, for years, has been a voice resonating throughout. No strangers to struggle, through songs rich in powerful lyrics in addition to offering educational programs, Sarabi is known to express social malaise and take action to empower residents of slums. Many of its members, who were raised in broken homes without much guidance, on top of surviving the street life thick with crime and police brutality, began performing music in spite of not being able to afford musical instruments – yet, never losing hope.
Regardless of stardom, the enthralling band still lives in the slums. “We don’t need new clothes, we need clean clothes,” says lead singer, Mandela, further explaining their choice to compose and sing serious songs themed around social consciousness, human conditions, unity, and brotherhood.
As revealed in the trailer, the biopic captures Sarabi’s philosophy, life story and fight-for-justice – their continual use of music to inspire a population living in abject poverty while attempting to build bridges between all different social classes. Featuring a compilation of interviews, rehearsals, backstage footage of arresting visuals backed by their sweeping musical soundtrack packed with an infectious blend of rhythms composed of Afrofusion, African rock and a hint of pure indigenous reggae, ‘Music Is Our Weapon’ feels like a must watch – at least it does with this appealing first look.
Music Is Our Weapon premiers in Nairobi, Kenya at the Century Cinemax on 26 February.