Artists’ Safe Haven Presents: A concert with Kenyan artist in residence, Javan The Poet
Justice & Peace and Kenyan poet, songwriter and spoken-word artist, Javan, host an evening of music and activism in The Hague.
On 11 December, Javan The Poet, alongside The Keys Collective and other musicians from The Hague and Rotterdam, delivered an unforgettable evening of Afro-hip-hop, poetry, and soul at Musicon, The Hague. It was a powerful musical celebration which embodied the themes of connection, solidarity, and change. Resonating deeply with Javan’s messages and rhythms and as a result of his dynamic stage presence, the energetic and interactive crowd formed a musical community both on and off-stage.
“We are trying to have a positive change, not alone, but together. It keeps growing.”
Credit: Bart Jan Verhoef
Throughout his residency, Javan collaborated with producer Joel Thurman and The Hague-based band The Keys Collective on new music. His performance comprised older pieces of his personal collection as well as newer ones born out of this partnership. As part of the evening, attendees also enjoyed performances by Faraway, a local singer-songwriter blending soul, jazz, R&B, and rap in a deeply personal style; Tirza Sibelo, a spoken word artist known for her poignant and emotional storytelling; and Gregg Green & Innersoul, a soul band that fuses hip-hop, funk, and jazz for an unforgettable musical experience.
Reflecting on the event, Javan shared, “It was a great and warm night. I’m so happy with it and all the good vibes from the Justice & Peace team.”
Empowering future generations in Kenya
Through his residency, Javan’s ambition is to raise awareness and support for the establishment of a music centre in Kenya. This initiative aims to provide young musicians with a safe space to create, perform, and develop their talents. By fostering creative communities through their shared passion for music that transforms, Javan hopes to inspire and empower future generations to challenge injustices and build connections within their communities.
We thank Javan for sharing his music and passion for activism. Support Artists’ Safe Haven and help create a world where every artist can practice their art free of repression and censorship.
Javan’s art and activism focus on critical social issues such as women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ equality, and police brutality in Kenya. These themes are reflected in his performances, using music as a medium for social transformation and connection. Javan The Poet was in The Hague for three months as the artist in residence within Artists’ Safe Haven, an initiative of Justice & Peace Netherlands.
Credit: Joseph Kennel
The Artists’ Safe Haven initiative
The Artists’ Safe Haven residency initiated by Justice & Peace facilitates opportunities for rest, strengthening capacity, networking, and awareness-raising for international artists at risk due to their human rights work. Over temporary relocation to The Hague for three months, artists gain the opportunity to inspire, create, and exchange with the local scene and new audiences.