Veteran musician and songwriter Eric Wainaina has made a submission for the Grammy Awards 2025.
Taking to his X-platform, Wainaina stated that he has made a submission under the category Harry Belafonte Music for Social Change Award with his song Dek Dek Dek.
“Hey people, here is our submission for the Grammys. It is a song for the times we are in. Deep in our hearts, we must believe that someday it will get better. Find the song on YouTube and remember to share widely,” stated Eric.
Details of the song by Eric Wainaina
The song Dek Dek Dek talks about historical instances of oppression and limitation of democracy. It also calls people to stand firm against oppression.
“Inspired by the events in Tiananmen Square in June 1989 and the Michael Moore documentary Fahrenheit 9-11, Dek Dek Dek is at the same time an ode and a rallying call to a people who refuse to be cowed and deceived by the powers of oppression,” says the song’s description on YouTube.
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The award will be presented at the 67th Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025.
The Harry Belafonte Grammy Award
The Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award was established in 2022 to honor songwriters who have produced music that speaks to social issues of the day. It recognizes contributions to music and social advocacy.
The award is named in honour of the late Harry Belafonte who was vocal about social justice through his works.
Eric Wainaina is a celebrated musician, songwriter, and activist. Through his music, Eric has stood out as one of the artists who have been using their craft to criticize bad leadership and advocate for human rights.
Eric Wainanina banned from state functions
His criticism of the government has landed him into trouble such that his song ‘Nchi Ya Kitu Kidogo’ saw him banned from performing in state functions.
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Wainaina is also known for his famous patriotic song ‘Daima’. Wainaina has composed music for various films including the famous musical theatre film Mo Faya.
The artist received the MNET award for male vocalist of the year 2001, as well as the KORA All Africa Music Awards in 2002.
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