Jibilika Cypher
What is a Cypher and what is a Jibilika cypher?
A cypher or cipher is an informal gathering of rappers, beatboxers and break-dancers in a circle. It is circle of un-interrupted youthful urban energy where each artist takes a turn to express through rhymes, beats or dance.
A Jibilika Cypher is a platform for young people to engage, exchange and get empowered. Our mission is to use the Hip Hop culture and media to inspire, motivate and empower the voice, of young people. Using a holistic approach to youth development that nurtures and develops the hearts and minds of young people, through their interests. Merging entertainment and education, The Jibilika Cypher uses innovative programming, media activism, mentorship and ‘cool’ community service projects to break down communication barriers between adults and youth.
We started this program in August 2014 and have maintained it as a monthly feature through a partnership with Pamberi Trust / Book Café. The program has primarily been a platform for our Step Up 2 HIV initiative which uses popular culture to raise awareness and educate young people about HIV in schools and communities. The program is Supported by The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
Since August the cyphers have seen a rapid growth in numbers and interest from both participants and the audience.
It has managed to cut across more genres other than hip hop with the inclusion of Dancehall. In October the cypher hosted the Solo Dance Championships which as part of the annual Jibilika Dance Festival.
In 2015 we are enhancing our engagement beyond the platform through the hosting of a series of workshops with participants as part of efforts to help professionalize the urban arts sector and imparting more skills aimed at creating livelihood and sustainability of the sector. We are increasing the number of free community dance classes which are connected to the cypher to make sure young people are not idle.
At every cypher we disseminate relevant information through music, dance and leaflets to conscientize the youth.
Starting February the Cyphers will expand to four cities of Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare and Masvingo. These events will replicate what has been happening in Harare and develop it further.
Yes this method is working. Young people are actively participating and positively responding the messages of abstinence, use of protection, getting tested and saying no to drugs.
We utilize a culturally relevant approach to engaging young people. We speak the youth language, we are teaching the same things differently, we use their most preferred media in sending the message thus making our method very effective.
The major challenges we are facing is bureaucracy in accessing clearance to do the program in communities from the authorities. We are struggling to get access to the community facilities that are not being utilized most of the times. We need a lot of letters to get into every province and the schools, the red tape is stifling our programing.
