On November 20, 2018, afro-fusion artiste Eric Wainaina used a keynote address in Nairobi to push back against hostility toward LGBT people, saying their private relationships should not be a public concern.
Wainaina made the remarks while speaking at the Africa Conference For Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases, where he addressed the place of gay people in the entertainment industry and broader society. His comments came during a period when the topic was drawing intense public debate in Kenya.
A lot of our colleagues are gay. Who someone chooses to love has nothing to do with you. Concern yourself with things that you do
He also argued that Africa’s future should not be shaped only by conservative voices. In his words:
We have to play our part in defining Africa’s present and future agenda. We can’t let the agenda be decided by the conservative, polyester, oversized suit, bald-headed men
The conference ran for three days at the Kenya National Theater and brought together music industry players from more than 10 countries. At the opening of the event, Wainaina was presented with the 2018 Music In Africa Honorary Award.
Wainaina has also been vocal on other industry issues. About a month earlier, he and other artistes criticized Brand Kenya after the agency failed to help promote the play Ting Tales, which Wainaina and his team had been invited to perform in New York.
His remarks at the Nairobi conference added to his growing reputation as one of the artistes willing to speak openly on matters affecting the creative sector and public attitudes around identity.
