Kenyan rapper Juliani has taken to social media with a proposal that could reshape the landscape for creatives and entrepreneurs in the country. Rather than waiting for moments of crisis or tragedy to appeal for money, Juliani is advocating for a proactive approach urging Kenyans to contribute now to help sustain and uplift local talent. Through a series of impactful Instagram stories he pushed for the need to shift the narrative around fundraising. Juliani posed a crucial question that resonated with many: "Why wait until I'm sick or dead to support me? Let's channel that generosity right now toward building a fund that backs our innovators and creative minds."
At the Centre of his proposal is the establishment of a community-driven Harambee fund designed specifically for "Shengpreneurs"—a term he coined to describe creative entrepreneurs coming from the streets and communities of Kenya. This initiative aims to empower local talent and nurture early-stage startups that often struggle to find adequate financing. The Harambee fund is rooted in the Swahili word meaning "to pull together." It brings out the spirit of unity and collective effort. It also encourages individuals to come together, pool their resources for a common and impactful purpose. In Juliani's vision, this fund would allocate 40% of its capital towards salaries and team development, with the remaining funds directed towards market entry strategies. This will ensure that sustainable business practices are at the forefront.
Just like Juliani, American rapper Shawn Carter, alias Jay-Z, established organizations like the Shawn Carter Foundation, which aims to provide educational opportunities to underserved youth. He too has also been a vocal advocate for social justice issues, including criminal justice reform. His financial success has allowed him to support a wider range of initiatives, including the creation of wealth through ownership and investment in black-owned businesses. His partnership with companies like Tidal is a good example for it sees the rapper emphasizing on fair pay for artists. Both of these artists represent different cultural backgrounds and have unique methods of showing support to creatives and entrepreneurs.
Juliani's message is a call to action for citizens to invest in homegrown change rather than waiting for government assistance or overseas support. "Let’s create local solutions that reflect our realities," he expressed passionately. He encourages contributions before facing adversity as he aims to cultivate a culture of investment in ideas and talent that can drive economic growth and cultural change.
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