Gospel musicians Pitson and Mercy Masika have a new song out, ‘Tujenge’, in collaboration with the government of Kenya.
‘Tujenge’, Swahili for ‘Let’s build’, lauds the government for its controversial Affordable Housing scheme for middle and low-income households.
The State wants to introduce a housing levy that will require Kenyan employers to deduct 1.5 percent of an employee’s salary towards the project. However, there has been opposition from the public, with the Labour Court last month temporarily stopping the move.
And now, the government has turned to music in a bid to encourage Kenyans to be mindful of the future generation by proving shelter.
‘Tujenge’ is executively produced by the Permanent Presidential Music Commission, a government department whose mandate is to coordinate music and dance activities in the country.
Pitson says he found it a good idea, and through Chris Adwar, they held talks with Principal Secretary Housing and Urban Development Charles Hinga, who gave them the go-ahead to write the song.
“If well executed and properly put in place then, the project will be amazing for all Kenyans,” says Pitson.
He maintained that ‘Tujenge’ is not a political song and asked his fans not to judge it according to the govt project, but instead, judge it on whether it is a nice song and whether he delivered in his writing.
“The song is not secular but a song that speaks about the common things happening in our country. The fact that I am a gospel artiste does not hinder me from speaking about such things in my songs. It is talking about issues of life,” Pitson said.
Watch ‘tujenge’ below.
