Chossan Bi is the name of a musical band formed by Lamin Joof and four friends, all of whom had to immigrate to work in another country. Despite spending a year establishing a music career, Joof has struggled to make ends meet. "Most of the songs I write now are inspired by that experience," Joof says in a video interview today.
« I want to convey the struggle I went through, how I was mistreated, and how I struggled to get to where I am today through my music. "They gave me a voice to return to the world," Joof says. Joof became a trustee of the charity and a member of his house band after his release in 2016.
His work is influenced by historical examples such as the music of Chilean political prisoners during the Pinochet dictatorship and World War II concentration camps. "We're not comparing detention centers to concentration camps, but we're interested in music as a form of well-being and resilience," says Gini Simpson, artistic director of Hear Me Out. — Music has proven to be an effective means of providing comfort and support to people detained in immigration detention centers. Music helps to improve the mental and physical well-being of people experiencing these difficult times, for this reason Joof's experiences must be of help to the community.
Music helps improve the mental and physical well-being of people going through these difficult times, which is why Joof's experiences should help the community.
Although among the prisoners there are many different cultural origins, music unites them and gives them the brotherhood and unity necessary to face this experience of their life. Music can give them a safe place to express and process their emotions in a healthy and constructive way. These programs can give people the chance to express themselves through music, which can give them a sense of accomplishment and boost their self-esteem. Individuals can feel pride and dignity even in difficult circumstances by preserving their cultural identity through music. Finally, music has the ability to have a significant impact on people's lives.
