As part of Liverpool's Black History Month, Writing on the Wall is holding a series of special events dedicated to black lives and histories across the African diaspora.
On Thursday October 14, Gambian activist, singer-songwriter and artist Nazeem will be performing a live acoustic performance at Toxteth TV on Windsor Street as part of his UK tour.
Writing on the Wall (WOW) have been working with the 32 year old remotely on its 'What's Your Story' project, which explores the stories of 14 - 20 year old children in rural Gambia.
Read more: Events Happening in Liverpool for October Black History Month 2021
There will be a special screening of the project and Nazeem will be speaking in depth about the young participants' stories as well as his own journey. Delicious authentic Gambian cuisine will also be available on the night.
Nazeem told the ECHO: “I am really looking forward to Thursday, it will provide a chance for others to hear stories from the Gambia, an often overlooked country in Africa.
"I will also be sharing stories about my own life journey, including the hurdles I have had to overcome, as well as reflecting on my forefathers journeys outside of Africa."
Born in the Gambia, Nazeem is a prolific singer-songwriter, guitarist, peace ambassador and founding director of Dole Ndawi, a Non Government Organisation (NGO).
He uses the transformative power of music to build resilience and positive change within communities and among young people.
His style of music reflects his roots and culture; influenced by a two year residency in Senegal, where he supported musicians such as jazzman Vieux Mac Faye, Wolof pop singer Viviane Chidid and guitarist Jeanott Mendy.
Established more than 20 years ago, WOW promotes change while highlighting and tackling social and economic injustice. It aims to inspire personal and social transformation through writing and creativity.
The What's Your Story project engages with diverse and marginalised communities to support underrepresented writers. Through this project it has highlighted marginalised communities and people wanting to develop their writing to find employment.
Nazeem explained what he most enjoyed about the project and said: "What moved me most was having the opportunity to listen to the individual heart-breaking stories of Gambian Youth.
“To let their voices be heard not just in Gambia but in Liverpool and beyond”.
On what inspired Nazeem’s activism, he added: "Gambia has one of the youngest populations in the world, the youth are our future. There is absolutely no connection between government and youth in Gambia, zero encouragement, zero mentorship and no motivation.
"In my role as an artist, I can act as a voice for young people and challenge the conditions within which we live in Gambia through music and video."
Nazeem believes that music plays a powerful role in uniting young people to come together to find their own solutions to the everyday problems they encounter. This is why he set up the NGO, Dole Ndawi, which means the power of youth.
A project manager for WOW told the ECHO: "Nazeem is an artist who is passionate about using his talents to uplift his community and raise awareness on the many issues that young people face growing up in the Gambia.
"His journey is one of strength and preservation and we are delighted to be highlighting his inspiring work during Liverpool Black History Month."
During the pandemic, Nazeem collaborated virtually with several Liverpool based organisations such as Staged Kaos and Youth Theatre Liverpool.
Now that travel is reopening, this visit is all about face to face connection with current collaborators as well as identifying new partners.
In Liverpool he has already performed at Granby Street Market, Melodic Bar & Coffee Shop and BlackFest.
He is currently looking for further performance opportunities while in Liverpool and is also doing some school assemblies and talks in local schools as part of Black History Month.
WOW's project manager said: "The WOW collaboration is a really important project for Nazeem’s NGO”.
Tickets are £5 however, WOW have a few free tickets, that also include a meal, available for those on low income, seeking asylum or with leave to remain.
For information; please email info@writingonthewall.org.uk to be put on their guest list and also visit the Writing on the Wall website for ticket information and to find out about the many other exciting projects, writing courses and work that they do.
Get the top stories straight to you inbox by signing up to one of our free newsletters
