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| Alicios Theluji |
Alicios Theluji is an emerging African singer. She was born in November 1987 in Congo and spent there until her 7th birthday. Unfortunately, she had to flee with her family to Kenya because of the civil war. She sings in four languages (English, French, Swahili and Lingala). Her music is heavily influenced by Congolese rumba and Zouk rythms. Her first hit single was "Mpita Njia" which she sang with the equally talented Juliana K. The lyrics are about a heartbreaker. An exceptional artist whose thoughtful lyrics reflect the themes of everyday life.
Alicios is not only talented, but also smart, she pursues an online degree on Business Administration at BTH University in Stokholm / Sweden.
In an interview with TAP may Alicios was asked what influenced the African youth the most. Her answer has impressed me very much.
Here is an excerpt from the interview:
Here is an excerpt from the interview:
TAPmag: What 3 issues do you think affect the African youth the most today?
Alicios:
- Lack of confidence: The majority of African youths believe that there are other races that are superior than them when it comes to intelligence. History has somehow proven that right; at least the history thats being put on our faces. Its up to parents and teachers to help these children improve their self esteem because it will allow them to dare, dream bigger and to believe in their ideas. Everything starts with an idea and you only get to make something big out of your ideas when you have confidence in yourself. Its very important for the youths to be told our history from the African perspective. We need to tell them about our heroes; that will only strengthen them.
And as Whitney Houston once sang '' give them a sense of pride, to make it easier....''
- Lack of freedom of speech: As a young person or mostly a woman, your voice is not really attended to. When interacting with adults, sometimes even appearing smarter than them is seen as a sign of disrespect. In African families, Dad is always right! Even if you have a better idea than him, you will still have ti keep it to yourself because he is supposed to always look smarter than you. So we are not really encouraged to be free thinkers and to express ourselves from an early age. A brain is like a muscle, if you dont engage it, it gets lazy and eventually dies. I also think our governments can really use the youths creative minds to the benefit of everyone. Young people are very creative, if nurtured and used properly, I really believe they can produce more than we think.
- Lack of opportunities/jobs: Just the thought of you not being able to get a decent job after you've finished university alone takes away your motivation and will to study and go through school.
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| Alicios Theluji |
TAPmag: If you had to change something about Africa, what would it be!
Alicios:
It would definitely have to be Tribes and tribalism...they draw lines among us and i feel like they have more disadvantages than advantages. We need to understand that ''we can'', TOGETHER! I really want to see Africa united. Our own tribes have been used as a wepon to destroy us throughout the history. We've come a long way, but we still have so much to do. And I believe that we'll get there! If we UNITE!!!
Read the full interview here: TAPmag
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