Afro-fusion singer Eric Wainaina used a keynote address in Nairobi to defend LGBT rights and argue that people should be free to choose who they love.
Speaking at the Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases, he said some of his colleagues in the music business are gay and insisted that their private lives should not concern others.
“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,” Eric said.
Wainaina, known for Nchi ya Kitu Kidogo, said the LGBT community should be accepted and respected like any other group. He also urged people to move away from what he described as retrogressive ways of life.
“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 three-day pan-African meeting brought together music industry players from more than 10 countries at the Kenya National Theatre. During the event, Wainaina received the 2018 Music in Africa Honorary Award.
He later said the recognition was humbling and gratifying, adding in a post: “To be counted worthy of recognition and holder of the 2018 Music in Africa Honorary Award was a humbling and gratifying experience. Thank you.”
