For the tenth time, LWF World Service has organized the Talent competition "Kakuma Got Talent in Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya. The event fosters creativity, boosts morale, and offers a sense of normalcy amid the challenging conditions of the camp. Photo: LWF/ M. Lukulu
Competition to showcase refugee talents in Kenya
(LWI) - Kakuma Got Talent! For the tenth time, teenagers and adults participated in the creative competition organized by The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Kenya, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and other partners at the Kakuma refugee camp. The 110 participants showcased art, craft, and performance in seven categories and spread messages on social and behavioral change..
"Kakuma Got Talent" provides a platform for young refugees and their host community to showcase their skills in music, dance, drama, poetry, and more. The event fosters creativity, boosts morale, and offers a sense of normalcy amid the challenging conditions of the camp.
LWF Country Representative Girma Gudina (left) with local staff. Photo: LWF/ M. Lukulu
Building community spirit
The talent show was initiated by the local organization Refugee Artists and Authors in 2014 in partnership with LWF, UNHCR, and other organizations. The 10th edition brought together over 500 initial participants from the Kalobeyei settlement, Kakuma camp, and the host communities. It focused on skill commercialization and promoting peace and social cohesion. Auditions to select finalists were held in April, covering seven categories: music, cultural dance, modern dance, art, poetry, and modeling.
"This season marks a decade of celebrating resilience and talent within the camp, highlighting the creative potential in even the most challenging environments. It's part of a broader effort to promote positivity, empowerment, and community building among refugees, especially the youth," said Girma Gudina, LWF Country Representative in Kenya-Somalia.
Art and design also were categories in the competition. Photo: LWF/ M. Lukulu
The talent competition is the talk of the camp for half a year. Auditions and pre-selections take place in the spring. Those selected can then practice and work on their performance for the big day. "The young people can access LWF youth centers for daily practice, mentoring, and coaching by previous winners from their regions," LWF Youth Protection and Development Technical Lead Moses Mateyi explained.
Beyond camp life
KGT participant participant Afro Zigi shares his dreams. Photo: LWF/ M. Lukulu
Kakuma Got Talent has allowed me to express myself through dance.
Afro ZIGI, participant
The top three winners in each category receive cash prizes "to support their journey toward capitalizing on their talents", Mateyi added. Some participants in the competition even managed to win the attention of talent scouts. Nahima, a South Sudanese, participated in the Kakuma Got Talent season 8 competition and emerged in the 15 female models' category. A modeling agency in France scouted her. Three musicians now work for renowned recording companies in Nairobi, producing music for entertainment and earning a living.
Others used their talents to support fellow refugees in the camp. LWF and UNCHR offered contracts to art and painting artists to draw murals with SBCC messages in schools and youth centers. The Mauzo Dance Crew, a modern dance group, currently supports young people in the camp through a mentorship program.
Mauzo successfully competed up to the semi-finals in the famous Safaricom Sakata dance competitions on Kenya’s Citizen TV, which also broadcasts to audiences in Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.
For many refugees, winning prizes and recognition remains a dream. Still, the talent show boosts the morale and self-esteem of young people, says Afro Zigi, a member of Fizi Empire Dance Academy: "Kakuma Got Talent has allowed me to express myself through dance. Being a refugee has not stopped me from dancing; here, I am free to do anything. Kakuma Got Talent is providing me with a platform to showcase my talent."
