‘Forthright: Stronger than a weapon‘ – straight forward, direct – is a book and ongoing project that follows different artists in conflict areas who found ways to oppose the systems in charge. Their common tool against injustice and oppression, and for peace and human rights, is spoken word and rap music; and the message is that words are stronger than weapons.

Rap music can be seen as a universal approach for positive change. To stand up against inequality and social shortcomings is what all artists have in common. They use their voice to tell their audience a message. To give them hope and to frequently tell them about their rights and possibilities. Those artists are role models and combine the power and passion of music with a desire and wish for better conditions. All artists experienced something what they want to tell their audience about.

Forthright tells the stories and reflects the personalities of those inspiring and impressive artists. They make workshops and go out to schools or universities, they play free concerts when it is possible and tell the people to not only undergo a suffering, but to make a change. It is often the next generation who can make a difference and that is why it is so important to educate them and to attempt to reach as many people as possible to let them know about their rights and about their possibilities.

Sascha Kraus, born 1979 in Germany, is a photographer specialised in portrait photography. His focus lies on topics with a social and formative impact. An active photographer since 1999 he puts a great emphasis on traditional tools and processes to express his art. To still make use of analog processes on a professional level, he builds the bridge between traditional and innovative interpretations of photography.