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King Kaka’s Song Promotes Positive Masculinity, Mental Health, and HIV Awareness

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Byron Adonis Mutingwende
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Renowned Kenyan artist King Kaka is thrilled to release his latest song, “BESHTE YANGU”, coinciding with the significant occasion of World Population Day. Developed in collaboration with UNESCO, the song delivers a powerful message on Positive Masculinity, Mental Health, and HIV Awareness. The highly anticipated launch took place at the University of Nairobi, bringing together students from the University of Nairobi, Kenya Medical Training College, faculty members, and the wider community to celebrate the importance of investing in youth education, health, and well-being to build a sustainable future for both individuals and societies.

King Kaka declared: “I am proud to promote Positive Masculinity, Mental Health, and HIV Awareness! This song is important for all young people on the continent. We all need a ‘BESHTE YANGU’ when facing life’s challenges, and this song is an appeal to support each other and show solidarity. The song is in Kiswahili, but it is designed to appeal to all young people as it is showcasing challenges, we could all face. Listening to each other and asking for help is an important part of the solution. And it is okay not to be okay men.”

Young people in Sub-Saharan Africa face 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. 184 000 young individuals in this age group are living with HIV, with 17 000 new infections occurring each year. Negative Sexual and Reproductive Health outcomes, such as unintended pregnancies and violence, disrupt the well-being of students, limiting their potential.

In response to these challenges, the University of Nairobi, Kenya Medical Training College, and UNESCO have joined forces through the O3 Plus project, which aims to increase knowledge about HIV, unplanned pregnancies, mental health, and gender-based violence. The project emphasizes social accountability, supports health education, creates an enabling policy environment, and advocates for zero tolerance of harassment and violence. O3 Plus 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 said, “I am very happy that this song by King Kaka, ‘Beshte Yangu’, is launched on this important World Population Day and is in Kiswahili which is now one of the official languages of the African Union. It is a sweet and educational song, especially for young people in relation to positive masculinity, mental health, and HIV. It is my hope that apart from having fun, young people will understand the educational message intended by the artist.”

“BESHTE YANGU” will undoubtedly captivate audiences with its powerful message and infectious rhythms. By launching the song on World Population Day, King Kaka, in collaboration with UNESCO, aims to ignite a deeper appreciation of the importance of young people’s Education for Health and Well-being in the continent, while inspiring the youth audience to reach their full potential.

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