10 questions with El Rehema

Biography:

 

"El Rehema is an up-and-coming Bradford-based rapper/producer dropping his second EP #EternalJourney in February 2013 - date to be confirmed. Refusing to confine himself in a box, he describes his music as human music mirroring the social conditions of people the world over. He bases his subject matter on personal experience, from spending his formative years in the Democratic Republic of Congo to ...tackling issues such as teen pregnancy, among others."

 

I caught up with El Rehema to try and find out more about what has been the driving force and influence behind his music as well as hearing first hand what his upcoming EP #EternalJourney has in store for his broader audience. He also happens to be my brother and I do feature on some of his songs which is about to be released later in February 2013. This is just an opportunity for you guys to find out more about him. I'm very excited to use this platform as a way of elevating and appreciating upcoming talents, and simply ordinary individuals who are inspiring many in their field of profession. This is just the beginning, so watch this space. Inspiring Thursdays! :)

Praise you in the storm!

 

Image by Phil Moore/ Al Jazeera

Exactly 2 weeks ago yesterday the city of Goma (eastern Congo) was captured by the rebel group M23. Fear crippled me. Fear of the unknown, and my heart went out to the mass population of the city and the surrounding area. Amongst them were some of my family members, close relatives and friends. The innocent civilians who's lives were placed under immense danger, who were terrified and therefore had no choice but to leave their homes and forced to become IDPs (internally displaced people). The fear of living in horrible conditions, lacking food or sanitation for themselves and their children, no roof over their heads but above all...simply not knowing whether they'll see another day!