Documentary Featuring Somali-Canadian Hip Hop Artist K’naan Wins Award for Best Hip Hop Culture Film at International Film Festival in New York City

On November 5, at the Hip Hop Odyssey International Film Festival in New York City, “4REAL Kenya,” won the Under the Influence Award for best Hip Hop culture film.

(PRWEB) December 7, 2005 -- On November 5, at the Hip Hop Odyssey International Film Festival in New York City, “4REAL Kenya,” won the Under the Influence Award for best Hip Hop culture film.

“4REAL Kenya” also won the 2005 Audience Award at The Eureka! International Film Festival in New York City on October 30, 2005.

“4REAL Kenya” is a documentary about Somali-born Canadian and Hip Hop artist K’naan, aka The Dusty Foot Philosopher. Filmed in September 2004, the show takes viewers on an unforgettable adventure as K’naan, a Somalian refugee, returns to Africa for the first time since he escaped the war in Somalia in 1991. K’nann returned to film his first music video for his song "Soobax" a protest song that speaks directly to the warlords of Somalia.

Along the way K'naan meets an inspiring local hero named Salim Mohammed who takes him to his community, Kibera, the largest slum in East Africa with a population of over one million people. In Kibera, Salim runs a medical clinic and a community development sports program involving over 5,000 young people.

The riveting and award-winning video, “Soobax,” has become an instant hit. Since the video was release in late 2004, it has aired on MTV, MTVu, Vh1, Much Music and Channel O in Africa.

“4REAL Kenya” is part of 4REAL, an ongoing series hosted by Sol Guy that takes celebrity guests on adventures around the world to connect with leaders who are effecting real change. Most recently 4REAL journeyed to Brazil with Mos Def and documented MV Bill, a rapper and social activist from the infamous City of God. 4REAL is produced by Direct Current Media who broadcasts the making of the show daily at their web site: www.directcurrentmedia.com.

For more information about “4Real Kenya” and 4Real, contact

Josh Thome at 815.550.1329.

For more information about and interviews with K’naan contact

Sol Guy at 815.550.1329.

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