The Soundtrack of Kenyan Resistance episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 17, 2026 · 36 MIN

The Soundtrack of Kenyan Resistance

from What Takes Root: Stories of Resistance and Reclamation

Kenyan artist Mwongela Kamencu, known as Monaja, has spent his life writing music shaped by history, politics and protest. In this episode of What Takes Root, he traces the moments that radicalized him: from his childhood under an authoritarian regime to student uprisings, election violence, and the killing of a classmate. As Kenya’s youth-led protests erupt in 2024, his music moves alongside the protests, urging people not to despair, but to rise.And for more information about Mwongela Kamencu and the work that he does, follow @monajamwenyewe on Instagram.

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The Soundtrack of Kenyan Resistance

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How long is this episode of What Takes Root: Stories of Resistance and Reclamation?

This episode is 36 minutes long.

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This episode was published on February 17, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Kenyan artist Mwongela Kamencu, known as Monaja, has spent his life writing music shaped by history, politics and protest. In this episode of What Takes Root, he traces the moments that radicalized him: from his childhood under an authoritarian...

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