Hear My True Story

Passport to Identity: Navigating Racism as a Black Person in Germany

Otako Episode 48

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In this episode, we welcome back Oggie Wisdom Lauer, the renowned artist and musician from Zambia leading the Rising Fire Reggae Band in Marburg, Germany. Oggie shares his personal experiences as a Black man in Germany and delves into the question of whether getting a German passport can shield him from racism. As he explores the pros and cons of having a German passport for a Black person living in Germany, the discussion sheds light on issues of identity, belonging, and the power of music to spread a unifying message of love and acceptance.


Rising Fire is an African Roots Reggae band from Marburg, Germany. The band was founded in 2009 by Oggie Wisdom Lauer, from Zambia, as lead singer and guitar player. The band plays Roots Reggae, Ska, Dub, Rhumba and more. In 2010 Rising Fire was announced as the best reggae band in Hessen County. Since then the band plays all over Germany among other bands from Germany, Jamaica and Africa. In April 2017 Rising Fire had a very successful tour in Israel, including shows in Tel Aviv and Jam session with the Israeli famous reggae scene. The band brings with the music a great message to the audience- TO LOVE! We are all one people. If you have a voice- speak up! It doesn't matter what color your skin is, what your religion is, or where are you from. The band carries this message to shows all over the world, with music in German, African, English, Hebrew and more.

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