The Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO) in cooperation with the US Mission to the AU (USAU) held a two day workshop on 04 and 6th of May 2016 respectively, on creating social change through art. The workshop culminated with a jazz and hip hop performance, at the Multi-purpose hall of the African Union Commission Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The workshop culminated with a performance which featured artists from Shaolin Jazz in addition to some of the AU talents. The performance was attended by Acting Director of CIDO, Mr. Ahmed El Basheer, the US Ambassador to the AU Ambassador Susan Page, The ambassador of the Turkey to the AU Ambassador FatihUlusoy in addition to staff from each of the AUC, USAU, Embassies, International and national organization.

The workshop and performance was led by Shaolin Jazz, a US based group which helps spread awareness and unearth the different means in which music can be used as a medium to create positive change. In the context of the AU, music can be used as a tool for dialogue among African citizens in the continent and in the diaspora; use music as a tool to popularize the messages of the AU, of the Africa We Want and of Agenda 2063; work towards one of the aspirations of Agenda 2063 which calls for enhanced Pan African cultural assets which we can only achieve through enhancing our heritage, folklore, theater and music; and explore how music can be utilized to create employability.

The workshops were attended by representatives of each of HRST, Women and Gender, Peace and Security, Economic Affairs, Political Affairs, Infrastructure and Energy, Office of the Spokesperson and DIC.

Acting Director of the CIDO directorate of the AUC, Mr. Ahmed El Basheer welcomed the esteemed guests to the event and said that it is through the art of music that we are able to send out inspirational messages regarding the Africa we want, Mr. Basheer also noted that jazz music is a good opportunity to bring people together.

The United States Ambassador to the African Union, Ambassador Susan D. Page, in her welcome remarks extended warm greetings to all participants who took out time to be a part of the Hip hop Jazz. Ambassador Susan Page further went ahead to say music renders life a joyous and simple one and asked the guests present to enjoy the music.

The workshop explored the Universality of Music which is rooted in its ability to communicate across cultural and linguistic boundaries.  It also provided a history on the relationship between music (Hip-hop and Jazz) and political expression and how it has succeeded in creating social change in a peaceful manner.