Haston Kombe is an environmental activist through music — a recording and performing artist from Kenya, Africa. Since 2014, he has been creating, composing, recording, and performing environmental music with his band, THE UTU BAND.
UTU stands for "The Ultimate Tree Umbrellas Band" — U = Ultimate, T = Tree, U = Umbrellas.
It's a live band performing in hotels, events, private and corporate functions, and learning institutions. The aim is impactful entertainment to sensitize the audience on crucial societal themes as expressed by Conservancy Melodies Kenya.
Our song "Keep Your City Clean" tells us about the dangers of plastic misuse and its devastating impact on our environment and health.
Common plastic additives used to make plastics more flexible and durable are not strongly bound to the plastic and can leach out over time, especially as the plastic degrades due to sunlight, heat, or physical stress. Phthalates and BPA have been linked to endocrine disruption and other health problems.
Some plastics, particularly PVC, may contain heavy metals like cadmium and lead. These metals can leach into the soil, potentially contaminating it and posing risks to plants and animals.
Burning plastic, especially PVC, can release dioxins, furans, and other harmful organic compounds. These substances are persistent pollutants and can cause various health problems, including cancer and neurological damage.
As plastic degrades, it breaks down into smaller pieces called microplastics. These microplastics can adsorb and transport other pollutants, potentially spreading them throughout the soil ecosystem. They can also interfere with soil structure, water infiltration, and nutrient cycling, impacting plant growth and soil fertility.
Plastic contamination can disrupt soil microbial activity, which is crucial for nutrient cycling and plant growth. Reduced soil fertility and impaired plant growth can affect crop yields and overall ecosystem health. Microplastics can accumulate in the food chain, potentially leading to the accumulation of toxins in animals and humans.
"Haston Kombe has put remarkable influence on campaigns aimed at helping the UN meet its strategic conservancy goals as expressed in the UN SDG no. 13. This theme-based music is uniquely developed to attain a specific social act—planting trees and conserving the environment. Kizuri kina jiuza kibaya kina jitembeza (a good artistry sells itself)."
"One day my music will bring service to me, and that my job will be to ascend to a stage to sing, not to do sound checks."