‘’Our message to Niger’s youth: never give up!’’

In 2002, the two brothers Majesty Sool et Sir Muslim, joined their voices to claim their place on top of the urban music in Niger. After years of composing music and producing album after album inspired by the problems and ambitions of the Nigerian youth, they earned the respect of a whole country.

In their studio in Niamey surrounded by microphones, keyboards, speakers and sound cards, MDM Crew receives us to talk about their latest project with UNICEF called Child of Niger. ‘’This collaboration stems from our commitment to the children and youth of our country. Since we started years ago our lyrics are inspired by what we see in the street. It is there where we look for the essence of our music’’ affirm the brothers.

‘’At first, it was more about creating a good ambiance and making people have fun with our music. Over time, we realized that our music carried a strong message that pumpkin in society, particularly the youth. Seeing three thousand young people sing your songs and spread your message makes us incredible happy’’.

In Niger, young people represent the vast majority of the population. Rapid population growth, unemployment, poverty, or migration create a high demand for public investments raising the issue of the place and role of young people in Niger’s society.

MDM Crew, inspiration for Nigerien youth

Niger’s youth needs iconic leaders who represent their demands and can contribute with something different to the conversation about the future of the country. ‘’We have always tried to spread out the message through the music. We identify the issues that affect youth, our brothers and sisters, our families and our country. That is our passion and our duty’’ says Sool.

About 58% of Niger’s population is under the age of 18 and nearly 500,000 young people enter the labor market every year. This rapid increase in the labor force raises the concerns of young people about their future.

‘’Not everything is negative you know. There are so many positives things about our country people don’t talk about. That’s why when UNICEF contacted us, we liked the idea of producing a song to account for the potential of Niger's children. The song says: children it is our time. We believe it is the time to empower them!’’ express the musicians.  

Nigerien artists play a fundamental role in the search for youth identity and in using music and arts as a powerful platform for expression and exchange. MDM Crew, besides of being recognized as prestigious musicians, are also true advocates of the rights of young Nigeriens. ‘’We have much to say about the future of our country’’.

‘’Today there are many children who sadly cannot enjoy their basic rights. We know it because we have lived and grown without having anything given away. We want our music to sensitize society about the need to protect children – to ensure that their dreams are still alive’’ concludes MDM crew.

Ahead of World Children’s Day and the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a community of champions raised their voice to support child rights in Niger. The UNICEF’s “Champions for Children” are prominent individuals from arts, music, ICT, sports or other fields who help the organization raise awareness of children’s rights.