KTheChosen on The Importance of Art in Anti-Racism and Decolonization Work

Photo credit: Shayne Mujuru

Meet KTheChosen

The CDLI team sat down with KTheChosen to talk about the importance of art in anti-racism and decolonization activism. Note, the interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

“I go by KTheChosen, that's my artist name. My real name is Thabo and I'm from Zimbabwe. I’m an international student studying business at the University of Calgary. When I'm not in school, I'm an artist who makes music about anti-racism and political issues around the world. I’m trying to tackle anti-racism work through my music and by sharing information/resources. A couple of weeks ago, I created a song where I spoke about the Black Lives Matter Movement and you can listen to it here. I took the time to focus on what I really wanted to say and express through my music.

From the perspective of an artist, we can propel the BLM movement forward with education. It's important that people educate themselves by creating art because it can be interpreted in different ways. Art is more accessible in anti-racism and decolonization work. Not everyone has a high school or university education so having a conversation about systematic oppression or intersectionality can be overwhelming. If someone asked me about racism and I give them a 25-page academic research paper with no pictures they’re not going to read it. All resources used in anti-racism work need to be easily accessible. Whereas if you use art, you can paint a picture of your lived experience. Not only is this an easier way to digest the information but as it's visual it'll remain in their minds. Similarly, if you were to create a song or poem or movie. Any form of art gives people a different way to interpret information and we are more likely to remember it/share it with others.”

You can keep up with K on Instagram @kthechosen