FENA GITU STOPS WORKING WITH PRODUCER JAAZ ODONGO AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS

Musician Fena Gitu has cut ties with music producer Jaaz Odongo after he was accused of sexual assault.

Fena released a press statement, stating she won’t be working with him or any other producer accused of sexual assault, “I’ve been thinking a lot about conversations surrounding the safety of women in the industry, and the accusations against my friends and producer Jaaz Odongo. Jaaz and I have known each other a long time, and out of respect for him and his family who have also been supportive of me I opted to hold him accountable privately. Still, I’ve been grappling with how I can honour this relationship, honour my life’s work, and still hold him (and others) accountable publicly.

I don’t have all the answers. I’m not even sure I have most of them. What I can tell you is that several difficult even grueling conversations have been with him and with people whose options I hold in high regard and who hold me in high regard. These conversations have brought clarity to the fact that many different things can be true at the same time: I love and value my work as an artist, I have certain responsibilities as a result of that work, I love my friend and producer, I deeply believe n the safety of women in the artistic space and women should be believed.

As a result of these conversations, I have made the decision to no longer work with Jaaz or anyone else that is accused of sexual assault or other misconduct. Its been difficult to navigate, but I just don’t see a different way forward at this time.

While  recognize that I am not as a person or a woman responsible for the behaviour of any man, I do feel a responsibility to myself, my work, my fans and to the women that I sing for and so proudly represent, to live in alignment with the value that have helped shape my life, at least as best as I can.

At the same time, I hold space for my fellow artists especially female artist who are blamed and attacked when our colleagues, brothers and friends are accused of wrongdoing. We do need to live under the shadow of someone else’s mistake, misconduct or even poor choices. We deserve to be held with the respect that is due to us, our own work and our own conduct, not on the behaviour of others.

Finally, and as always, I continue to hold my brother in love and wish hi the best as he navigates this difficult time. Love, Fena.”