News

‘Music is our Weapon’ chronicles journey of Kenyan band Sarabi

By In-house East Africa

10 Feb 2016 - 08:24

Kenyan band Sarabi is set to release a new documentary film that chronicles their incredible musical journey. Titled Music is our Weapon, the film portrays the philosophy, history and fight for justice of one of Kenya's most enthralling bands, which continues to build bridges with their music between all social classes, including people living in abject poverty. The film will be launched on Friday 26 February at the Century Cinemax at the Junction Mall in Nairobi.

Kenyan band Sarabi are launching a new documentary. Photo: Facebook

Directed by Nigerian-born Taye Balogun, Music is our Weapon captures voices of various professionals, as well as showcasing the band’s various successful tours overseas. Viewers will have a glimpse of the band’s recent performances at various international festivals, including Sauti Za Busara festival in Zanzibar, Africa Oye in the UK, Roskilde in Denmark and the World Music Expo (WOMEX) in Hungary. It features interviews with the band members as well as regional music industry figures who have been instrumental in the band’s rise to fame, including Kenyan promoter Abdi Rashid Jibril and Yusuf Mahmoud of Sauti za Busara.

Formed in 2005, Sarabi’s music is made up of traditional Kenyan rhythms, benga and a blend of Western sounds. Their unique sound has proven popular to fans of Afro-fusion music.

News of the upcoming documentary release has got the band’s Kenyan fanbase excited. “The love I have for Sarabi grows by day. I connect with their music, so inspiring. The lyrics are so rich and real, sang by talented vocalists, accompanied by skilled instrumentalists. Music is indeed their weapon. Looking forward to the premiere!” one fan commented on the film’s YouTube trailer.

Watch the trailer for Music is our Weapon below.