Celebrating counter-culture icon, why Bensoul honors weed in his art

On April 20, Nairobi-based musician Bensoul released his first solo album, 'The Lion of Sudah', at the Alchemist.

The date was not chosen by chance; it is commonly known as '4/20,' a significant day for weed and pot smokers around the world. It is a day that brings together friends and huge crowds to celebrate the use of marijuana.

For Bensoul, releasing the album on this day was important because it advocates the use of marijuana and supports the movement that is pushing for its legalisation in Kenya.

Bensoul Pulse Live Kenya

READ: Bensoul reveals next move after he exits Sol Generation

'The Lion of Sudah' features 15 songs, some of which advocate for the use of marijuana, which is banned under Kenyan law.

However, Bensoul does not shy away from his support for the drug, which he considers a medicine.

He believes it is backward thinking for the country to continue criminalising a drug that is widely accepted in most parts of the world. He argues that other countries have legalised marijuana, and Kenya should do the same.

“I feel like if other parts of the world have legalised marijuana then we as a country should do the same. I mean there are so many places where people are making money from the marijuana business and helping their families," Bensoul said.

Bensoul Pulse Live Kenya

Bensoul believes that Kenya has the potential to become a major player in the marijuana business.

The country has the best weather, soil, and conditions for growing marijuana. Legalising the drug could provide significant economic benefits, especially for small-scale farmers.

Additionally, marijuana has been used to make medicine, and its legalisation could open up new possibilities for medical research and development.

"It has also been used to make medicine, so why are we as a country not able to see these benefits? We have the best weather, the best soil, the best everything to grow marijuana, but we are holding back.

"It’s a conversation we need to have as a country, we need to be bold about it and that’s what I’m doing with the album, I’m saying liberate it for the people,” he adds.