Homeless Kenyans who defy police to dance so they don’t go hungry | Globalism

They try to overcome the difficulties of living on the streets of Nairobi and reach stardom through art.

Young people live by dancing near nightclubs in Nairobi in the hope of getting tips. The activity is illegal and they can be arrested. However, they take risks.

On the night of the report’s recording, the five members who were working received a total of 490 Kenya shillings (about 23 Brazilian reais), bringing in about 100 shillings (4.80 Brazilian reais) each.

With little money, they are forced to eat what they can find on the street. Some hotel security guards in the area cooperate, “bypassing” the boys’ leftovers.

“Hunger makes you do bad things – you might be tempted if you see someone’s cell phone,” says Bosco, one of the dancers.

Another member of the group, Jedi, uses the village cinema to sleep. “Instead of paying to see the movie, I pay 50 shillings [R$ 2,40] Because I’m tired and sleep on the benches,” he says. In the KenyaPeople caught sleeping on the street can be caught.

In this BBC Africa Eye report, video producer Nick Wambogo has followed the path of these young men for two years in search of fame and fortune.

On the way, they encounter starvation, material deprivation, problems with the police and – most importantly – the COVID-19 pandemic.

With nightclubs shutting down in Nairobi, the group had to adapt and start parking to survive, always hoping for better days.

In the midst of hope, creativity, resilience and courage, young people find ways to continue dancing, hoping, contrary to statistics, to reach the success they dream of.