Lamu Tamu - #ProtectOurHome this World Ocean Day
Udulele John, Kenyan Singer-Songwriter/Record Producer/Film-score composer who fell in love with Lamu island and its people. While performing in Lamu, he discovered the Flipflopi - the birthplace of the world's first recycled plastic sailing boat. Our ocean is our home. Let's protect our home this World Ocean day and forever...
Tell us a bit about yourself. What do you love most about what you do?
I go by the name Udulele John, Singer-Songwriter/Record Producer/Film-score composer. In 2018, I was selected as continental Ambassador to the Africa Worldwide Musicians. I have also played for various bands as a Bassist across East Africa, a career that made me traverse the region and beyond. I am also a co-founder at Bengatronic Sound & System- Electronic-Benga fusion collective and an emerging music label based in Nairobi. What I love most as musician, is being able to connect with people and share my message even when their is a language barrier…
What is the inspiration behind the song Lamu Tamu?
Lamu is the Island the makes me reconnect with myself and feel so at peace. And the welcoming residents, Swahili cuisine and wonderful beach at Manda - what’s not to love! As a musician, I felt inspired to make this beauty known to world through the song.
What motivated you to join hands with Flipflopi to create a music video an environment message?
Honestly to me ‘’Flipflopi’’is one of those amazing & creative efforts towards saving our environment and of course our heritage. A music video to me would be a medium to pass this innovative creation to the world, and see more Flipflopis being made- a big win to our environment.
What changes do you hope to see in regards to plastic pollution?
I want to see more creative ways of doing away with plastic pollution but also would urge my government to put more tough rules on the ban of plastic use. A few months ago they tried but it seems like people have forgotten it and plastic bags are creeping back onto the streets and in our houses.
How can artists play a role in fighting for environmental conservation?
By highlighting these kinds of initiative - flipflopi in their visual content and sharing more about the hazards of plastic pollution to our present moment and to our future generations…Happy World Ocean Day!
Lamu Tamu is composed and sung by Udulele John. To listen to more of Udulele John’s music click HERE
Video Produced by Umber Studio, and Davina Ngei with footage from Finnegan Flint and The Majlis Resort.
Photo courtesy Shamir Ibrahim