Daniel’s Music
I first met Daniel in 2019 after I was introduced to the Rainbows Across Borders (RAB) just before marching with them at Croydon Pride in 2019. RAB is a self-help group for LGBT+ asylum seekers based at Croydon Voluntary Action (CVA) and the Unitarian Church in Croydon.
This video was donated by Daniel in August 2020.
Daniel is a gay man from Uganda who has fled his country due to homophobic persecution, and is seeking asylum in the UK. He is a talented singer, musician and composer and provides the lead vocals for the RAB choir.
The RAB have performed at many events including Braithwaite and Fairfield Halls in Croydon for Croydon Pride, LGBT History Month, IDAHO day, and The Croydon Festival of Peace.
I asked Daniel to put together a short video featuring songs that the choir performs that are important to him.
The first song in the video is titled ‘I Fear Home, No Freedom Home’;”
I wrote this song about what I’ve heard, I’ve read and I’ve seen back home in my country. In Uganda they don’t let homosexuality. I am affected because I fear my home. “East or West, home is the best” that does not work for me.”
The second song is called ‘Hate is a Crime’;
“Many people hate us not knowing they are doing something wrong. They think they are right but they are doing something wrong. You cannot just end someone’s life because of who they are…I cannot be what another person wants me to be, I can only be myself.”
The final song is titled ‘Raise Our Voices’;
“We are also created by God – we are living people. Our lives matter also. We raise our voices for freedom. Many African countries do not accept LGBT people.”
Discover more of Daniel’s music