In his new single, released on July 02, 2021 “Kilsemok” which has already reached 10,000 views, singer Rakia denounces the school harassment linked to racism. In this clip, the artist has stepped up to the plate to denounce social inequalities in schools. Of Nigerian origin, adopted, Rakia also experienced this problem herself. Born in Tahoua, Niger, Rakia grew up in Normandy, more precisely in Flers.
Anaïs Leplanquois, whose real name is Rakia, began music in 2014 at the Lycée Marie-Curie de Vire. “I was a senior in boarding school, and I was bored… I started playing guitar and writing songs when I was in Vire,” says the girl who got her nickname from her birth name. After experiencing racism in school as a child, the singer decided to speak for all those who live the same situation on a daily basis. In her new video “Kilsemok” (Let Them Laugh), she addresses the painful issue of school harassment related to racism. In general, the fight against racial inequalities in schools raises a social and institutional question that requires unifying and better coordinating educational actions to promote the success of the greatest number of students. “In the 2004’s, it was moderately “fashionable” to be black or female! “I had a lot of pain in myself because I was having trouble integrating,” the artist said.
Adopted when she was only three months old by French parents, the artist did not fail to recall her past. “When I was little, I totally repressed Africa, I had no desire to be African. It was a bit of a shame for me. I’ve been told a thousand times that black people stink, that black people live in trees. I had to be of age to find out the truth,’ said Rakia.
With this new single, Rakia decided to put these childhood sufferings into words and images. “The hands represent the mockers and they smother people who are mocked, mocked or discriminated against. At first, the hands are everywhere, which gives a very distressing atmosphere. Like when you are harassed: you are distressed and navigate in troubled waters,’ she explained.
Known for her sweet voice, Rakia released her first album “À la racine”, at the end of 2019, for Universal music. His musical style mixes soul, afro, electro and “Al folk”.
