Critics of spreading social awareness: “Think for yourself, be mentally free”

December 7, 2020

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min read

The East African influencer Kriticos describes the diverse and creative ways he uses his social media to raise awareness about mental health in the music industry and within the Black community in Belgium, especially during the lockdown.

He also explains how he has reconciled with his identity as Bemba (Zambian) and Chagga (Tanzanian) and how he has approached his role as a musician to convey an uplifting message.

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Born in Zambia and raised in Belgium since 2004, Kriticos is an artist, social justice activist, and mental health advocate. He is also the founder of the independent international music label Big Daddy Records. He co-hosted the first Black Lives Matter gathering in Belgium in 2016 and was also involved in organizing the 2020 BLM protest in Brussels, which drew 10,000 people. Last year, he released his first EP, Bemba Chagga, in which he not only explores his East African roots but also his struggle for mental freedom. Its title track caught the attention of hip-hop emcee Sampha The Great, who named Kriticos as one of her favorite Zambian artists of the moment.

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Kriticos wants to use his multi-layered platform to go beyond the stereotypical norms of a black rapper who brags about drinking, smoking, and popping pills.

Before you get into a position of power, you need to make peace with yourself; otherwise, you become corrupt,” he told Chase Music during the interview.

If (rappers) had that focus within themselves, I think a lot would change. Especially the message you hear in the music

His role in his music and on his social media platform is to tell his journey and inspire people to become mentally free:

“What I'm trying to say is, first of all, you're going to die. That's the only promise in life. Second, you need to think for yourself. Otherwise, people will tell you what to think.”

He explored this mindset in his recent single No Ego Freestyle:

♪ Fear, an illusion of what has been put into me

Open your eyes you will see

Better get rid of the message from the enemy

Get set on your journey be free ♪

I also talk about this on my EP Bemba Chagga: detach yourself from this idea made up for you. What are you really? What is your essence? Who are you before the world told you who you were?

This exclusive video is part of a series of five interviews with artists, activists, and influencers who use their social media to raise awareness about social issues. All interviews were conducted in compliance with government measures against the spread of coronavirus. The video was filmed at the temporary occupation BARA 142 (Status).

Director & Photography: Helena Verheye//Interview & Video Edit: Paul-Henri Yuma//Header Photo: Loïc Meulenberg//Assistant Photo: Jean-Michel Yuma//Editor in Chief: Tim Vanhaecke

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