Hip Hop Music and Youth Mentorship for Social Change in Dandora Slums: A Study of Ukoo Flani Mau Mau

Abstract

Hip hop music and Youth mentorship particularly in disenfranchised communities like informal settlements is not only relevant and appealing to the youth but a natural choice. Hip hop music consists of four main elements: emceeing, break dancing, DJing and Graffiti. The purpose of this study was to examine how Dandora’s Ukoo Flani Mau Mau Hip hop music group in Kenya mentors youth through their music. The study was executed in Dandora Hip hop City Center, a community initiative founded by Ukoo Flani Mau Mau member, Julius Owino who goes by the stage name Juliani. The study employed exploratory research design employing 5 focus group discussions of eight participants each. Major findings revealed that the Dandora youth perceive Ukoo Flani Mau Mau’s Hip hop music as their voice, symbol of resistance, rebellion but also edutainment oriented. Additionally UFMM music has influenced the youth to develop their musical talents by empowering them to learn and acquire the relevant knowledge and skills in song construction and live performance. Finally majority of the participants claimed that UFMM music had been a platform to foster social change by encouraging them to disengage crime and other societal vices. This study recommends that Hip hop music should be considered as a viable avenue for youth mentorship in informal settlement areas in Nairobi. Also learning institutions should consider incorporating Hip hop music in their curricular due to its ability to educate and empower.