Kriticos on spreading social consciousness: "Think for yourself, be mentally free"

December 7, 2020

min read

East African influencer Kriticos describes the diverse and creative ways he uses his social media to raise awareness about mental health in the music industry and among the black community in Belgium, especially during the lockdown.

He also explains how he came to terms with his identity as Bemba (Zambian) and Chagga (Tanzanian) and how he dealt with his role as a musician to convey an uplifting message.

<div class="post_button"><a href="https://login.circle.so/sign_up?request_host=community.chase.be" class="button is-small w-button">Word lid van onze community</a></div>

Kriticos, born in Zambia and raised in Belgium since 2004, is an artist, social justice activist and mental health advocate. He is also the founder of the independent and international music label Big Daddy Records. He co-hosted the first Black Lives Matter rally in 2016 in Belgium and was also involved in organizing the 2020 BLM protest in Brussels, which attracted 10,000 people. Last year, he released his first EP called Bemba Chagga, which explores not only his East African roots, but also his struggle for mental freedom . His title track got the attention of hip-hop emcee Sampha The Great. She considered Kriticos one of her favorite Zambian artists of the moment.

Kriticos wants to use his multi-layered platform to go beyond the stereotypical norms of a black rapper, who brags about drinking, smoking and swallowing pills.

Before you get into a position of power, you must be at peace with yourself, or you will become corrupt."

he told Chase Music during the interview.

If (rappers) had that center of gravity in themselves, I think a lot would change. Especially the message you hear in the music.

His role in his music and on his social media platform is to tell his journey and inspire people to become mentally free:

What I'm trying to say is, first of all, you're going to die. That's the only promise in life. Second, you have to think for yourself. Otherwise, people are going to tell you what to think.

He explored that line of thinking in his recent single No Ego Freestyle:

♪ Fear, an illusion of what has been put into me
Open your eyes you will see
Better get rid of the message from the enemy
Get set on your journey be free ♪

That's what I talk about on my EP Bemba Chagga: break free from this idea made up for you. What are you really? What is your essence? Who are you before the world told you who you were?

This exclusive video is part of a series of five interviews with artists, activists and influencers who use their social media to raise awareness about social issues. All interviews were conducted in compliance with government measures against the spread of the coronavirus. This video was recorded at the temporary occupation BARA 142 (Condition).

Direction & Photography: Helena Verheye // Interview & Video Edit: Paul-Henri Yuma // Main Photo: Loïc Meulenberg // Assistant Photo: Jean-Michel Yuma // Editor-in-Chief Tim Vanhaecke

<p> </p><CENTER>___</CENTER><p><CENTER>Wil jij groeien als digital creator? Word dan lid van onze community waar je andere creators leert kennen, gratis workshops kan volgen en terecht kan voor al je vragen rond digital creativity.</CENTER></p><div class="post_button"><a href="https://login.circle.so/sign_up?request_host=community.chase.be" class="button is-small w-button">Word lid van onze community</a></div>