He changed his life by pursuing his passion

Henry Ohanga, known by his rapper name as ‘Octopizzo,’ is the founder and executive director of Octopizzo Foundation, however, not so long ago, he was living in the largest slums in Africa — the Kibera Slums of Kenya.

The 28-year-old, who believes that “Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor,” left the slums almost seven years ago, before he turned his life around, by pursuing his passion for art, culture and music.

“I come from the biggest slums in Africa and one of the biggest in the world.When I recently visited the camps in Kenya, I saw that there are no opportunities for the youth to grow, in terms of mind and knowledge, as well as passion and talent.”

Ohanga, who now performs globally, including in Europe and the US, pointed out that those living in the slums need to create their own opportunities and space, in order to “become something”, because they are not being provided with chances to grow in life.

The rapper, who firmly believes that artists must use their voice to educate societies, instead of merely entertain, said he hopes organisations, including the United Nations (UN), would provide more than food and shelter for the dislocated.

“Refugees need to feel something, they need to feel some ownership, because they’ve lost everything, they’ve lost their homes and countries, but what do they still own? Their culture.”

refugees need to feel something, they need to feel some ownership, because they’ve lost everything. What do they still own? Their culture.”