DJ Aisher, the most famous Kenyan female DJ in Germany has challenged African celebrities to have courage and speak up against human rights violations.
In an exclusive interview with Afronews.de the Berlin-based turntable goddess said she was disappointed and saddened by the silence of many African celebrities before gross human rights violations and election malpractices in African countries.
DJ Aisher has been very critical of human rights violations in Uganda. She has publicly declared her support for Mr Bobi Wine, the leading Ugandan opposition leader who claims to have won the recent presidential elections but was robbed of his victory.
Celebrities who shut up for fear of losing fans
DJ Aisher said many African celebrities have been avoiding speaking up on human rights violations for fear of losing fans.
“Many African public figures are afraid of publicly speaking about these issues for fear losing fans and having division amongst the fans,” she said.
She condemned such attitude saying it was needless to have celebrities who can’t stand up for truth.
“There is a reason why we are public figures and there is a reason why people follow us. People listen when we speak, when we say something. If we cannot stand up and condemn something wrong, and stand in solidarity with the people who are suffering, then I think we are selfish and being mean to ourselves. It’s definitely being egocentric,” DJ Aisher said.
Always condemn human rights violations
The turntable goddess said she normally speaks her mind despite the outcome and regardless of how her fans will react. She doesn’t fear losing fans for speaking up against what’s wrong.
She has in fact paid a price for supporting Mr Wine. Facebook has refused to verify her Facebook page claiming she has violated their community standards.
DJ Aisher is convinced some of her fans who don’t support Mr Wine have been reporting her to Facebook whenever she shares the videos of human rights in Uganda.
“I normally say we should disagree to agree and not disagree and end up being enemies. No, we have our opinions and we are free to share our opinions,” she said.
Adopt zero tolerance to poll malpractices
DJ Aisher said electoral malpractices have been going on in many African countries including Kenya for years. Without publicly condemning such evil practices that deny people a chance of being led by the leaders they have voted for, no change will happen soon, she said.
“I’ve been vocal against what’s going on in Uganda because I just feel it’s not right. The youth need to stand up. The future belongs to us,” she said.
DJ Aisher said she feels bad to see cases of human rights violation and mismanagement of African resources. “We have everything in Africa but we are the poorest, we move from countries to countries, from continents to continents, searching for greener pastures yet we have everything, simply because of bad leadership,” she said. “I feel so bad when I see a young man like Bobi Wine trying make change – by being vocal he has put his life in danger to bring freedom to the ordinary citizens but all he can get is torture.”
Africa needs young and brilliant leaders
DJ Aisher, who is one of the most prominent Kenyans in Germany is convinced that having a young and brilliant leader like Mr Wine is a source of inspiration for many young people throughout the continent.
She is looking forward to the day African countries will be led by younger leaders who have the interests of their people at heart. “I really yearn for a better Africa and I will continue being vocal about what’s happening in Uganda and in any other part of Africa where I see human rights violations,” DJ Aisher said.
In a message to African public figures, DJ Aisher said: “If you don’t speak up or stand up for truth and defend humanity because you are afraid of losing followers or fans, then you do not need to be a public figure. What’s the use of that platform if you cannot use it to campaign for what is right?”
By Stephen Ogongo