How Kenyan Bukusu Singer Uses Music to Fight Racism in Europe
Rawbeena is using her music and advocacy to call for structural anti-racism in Europe, arguing that African migrants should be recognised as contributors rather than outsiders.
At a time when African migration to Europe is increasing, Rawbeena has become a prominent voice linking artistic expression with social advocacy. She challenges the idea that migration is primarily about assimilation, instead describing it as entry into complex social systems where African creativity often faces structural barriers.
Through her work, she emphasises that African migrants play an active role in shaping Europe’s cultural and civic life. Her music reflects this position. Performing in Swahili, English, and Bukusu, she combines global accessibility with a strong connection to her heritage.
The inclusion of Bukusu highlights her commitment to authenticity and ensures that stories from her community reach wider audiences. Her song Coloni (Koloni) uses the idea of a “colony” to examine the lasting effects of colonialism and the ongoing challenges Africans face in asserting identity and gaining respect abroad.
Rawbeena’s advocacy aligns with Finland’s official position against racism. Statements by former Prime Minister Sanna Marin rejecting racism, hate speech, and violence are reflected in Rawbeena’s practical work. She brings these principles into schools and community settings, turning policy into everyday engagement.
Her approach helps migrants understand and navigate societies where discrimination remains present. Education is a central part of her work. Many African parents in Europe are concerned about how discrimination affects their children’s confidence. Rawbeena addresses this through music and workshops that include role-playing exercises.
These activities are designed to help young people respond to prejudice while maintaining a sense of dignity and self-worth in majority-white environments. Her initiatives also connect cultural identity with professional opportunities.
She supports calls for leadership that clearly rejects racism and highlights the experiences of African professionals whose contributions are often overlooked. She advocates for funding systems that recognise cultural diversity, rather than expecting individuals to abandon their backgrounds in order to succeed
