The Disparate Youth Galvanize Their Movement At Street Culture Festival

                                                               The Review & Analysis By. Sir Kempson Ari weYulu

@ZambiazHarshTag @KempsonAri

kalembaweyulu.wordpress.com

W

e have come a long way as a republic on many fronts, progress that has permeated a lot of elements in Zambia over the past 5 decades.  It was something like a scene straight out of Breakin’ and the sequel Electric Boogaloo. From crop tops to sweat pants and skinnies, nothing much has change not even the snap back, the culture may have aged but Hip-Hop and its elements still maintain youthful vigor, hence it will never die! I could check at least 3ree elements that are part of the essence of the culture that were present at the gathering: Breaking, DJing and graffiti, Slap D (@slapdee) brought it full circle when he jumped on the Mic with the MCing element. I wouldn’t have believed it if hadn’t seen with my own eyes, B-Boys and B Girls, graffiti and freehand artists, and skaters, all 21^st century Zambians (yes that includes you Dwain Whitaker) making Street Culture (www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008989366507) happen in a germane way. The 12^th edition of the Street Culture Festival (www.facebook.com/SCEAA?ref=ts&fref=ts) boldly put the misguided notion that the youth lack imagination, originality and adventure.

Founded by Kapembwa Siame and Elijah Zgambo in December 2011, the Street Culture Festival is held three times a year s during school holidays in April, August and December. With a 13,303 strong Facebook following (Facebook...), the culture is a full fledge movement with the Festival and dance being just one element. The street art aka graffiti and freehand sketches were amazing dimension to behold. The prodigies that are 

Nsamba Shitumbanuma (instagram.com/nsamba93) and Dwain Whitaker

(https://www.facebook.com/XXP.DoWork) are indeed the future Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Keith Haring’s of the Zambian art world.  Aside from the tri annual festival, Street Culture as an institution that also teaches the art of breaking and other forms of dance to the youth. With all the backlash and negative publicity the young folk receive, it is refreshing to see them promote themselves in a positive and non destructive light. The strong anti drug theme No Love For Drugs sent a clear message. Art in whatever form it was being expressed at the festival is a safe outlet and also healthy form of recreation, which also deters harmful practices and vices. There were no liquor or nicotine merchants on the premises of the event which sent an affirmative message.         

Despite the high concentration of puberty and energy, there was no unruly conduct. The organizer must be applauded not only for ensuring the personal health and safety of 1500+ attendees, but also engaging professional health practitioners. Although only 48 people were tested (at the time this data was collected), the facilities for counseling, testing and promoting safe sex where readily available and accessible for the sexually active or those experimenting  who constituted a large number of the crowds and information seekers too. It is important to stress the fact that the provision of these facilities is not to promote promiscuity but to save lives and prevent infections amongst the most susceptible group in society who are the youth. The Latkings Outreach Program

message was clear: Promoting sexual education, promoting sexual rights and promoting health care. In 2015 we cannot be as naïve and turn a blind eye to the sexually active or perpetuate the abstinence message of a bygone time, a practical approach and a less rigid approach which stresses a zero fear or stigmatizing approach must be encouraged. I salute the men and women promoting safe sex and educating the nation’s future.

              

Aside from the main event which was dance, the skaters in the outdoor arena were also amazing to watch. With rap classics such as The Notorious B.I.G providing the sound track, the decks on wheels event was on high octane as they kicked, pushed, grinded and flew off ramps. With no signs of slowing down, Hip Hop is not dead and the Street Culture Movement is doing a good job of keeping the culture alive and keeping the youth productive. Shout out to the local and international sponsors, enterprises and organizations supporting the movement. See you in December 2015 at the next 13^th edition of Street Culture Movement… It will be of epic proportions!