Tanzanian Hip Hop Star Frida Amani Named UNEP Advocate for Ecosystem Restoration Ahead of UNEA-7
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has named Tanzanian hip hop artist Frida Amani as its first Advocate for Ecosystem Restoration, a move expected to boost youth involvement ahead of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi next week.
Speaking in Nairobi, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen welcomed Amani’s appointment, praising her influence and long-standing commitment to social and environmental issues.She said Amani’s voice would add fresh energy to global restoration efforts.
“Frida sings, speaks, and acts for a healthy environment, so I am pleased to welcome her to the UNEP family. Reflected in her work is a relentless passion for restoration, where care for people and nature go hand-in-hand, making her an inspiring role model for young people across Africa and beyond,” she said.
Amani, who has over one million social media followers, is one of East Africa’s most celebrated female rappers and public personalities. She has won several awards, including the Music Cities Award and the Orange Award in Tanzania. As UNEP’s first Advocate for Ecosystem Restoration, she will help raise awareness and mobilize young people to protect and revive degraded natural spaces whether in cities, savannahs, forests, mountains, or oceans.
Amani said her passion comes from her early connection with nature and watching it change over time.
“Growing up, we saw nature as a great protector, providing water, food, shade, and meaning. We also watched it become increasingly vulnerable to climate change and unsustainable exploitation, resulting in floods and droughts,” she said.
“By joining the UN Environment Programme, I wish to inspire my fans to become part of a generation committed to ecosystem restoration. It is no longer enough to lament nature’s loss, we must bring it back. We are Generation Restoration.”she added
Her environmental and social advocacy is already visible in her music and community work. This includes songs like Kisiki Hai (about Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration), her appearance at the Performance for Nature event, the Mote Mama Gizani maternal health campaign, and her role as a Goodwill Ambassador for the Lead Foundation. Through her Amani Foundation, she continues to support community projects such as the Performance for Nature concert held earlier this year.
The announcement comes as Nairobi prepares to host UNEA-7, where global leaders, experts, and youth will discuss solutions to today’s most urgent environmental challenges. UNEP says Amani’s involvement will help strengthen public support for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration as it reaches its halfway point.
