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| A section of Cohort 28 at Karen Shopping Center, during the cleanup on 22nd, 09, 2018 |
It’s only one week since the program began yet every
participant has a bunch of stories, inspirational quotes, memories and moments
to share. Well, when I started applying for the training, I was somewhat timid
and unsure if the “serious-academic-like” program had any space for a musician
like me. I remember at one point I just discarded my application and gave it a
break till this year.
The motivation came from the fact that in February, I was
called for an interview for the Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF, 2018). It
was so influential that the regret letter that followed the interview didn’t
deter me from anything worth trying. I will stop the description right here and
just talk about Yali-Rlc EA, Cohort 28.
We arrived on Sunday 16th and as usual I had
beside my bag a violin and a guitar. Truth is, it always feels awkward when you
imagine no one else will be carrying the “unnecessary” stuff that lag you. However,
having some little knowledge in Swahili, I usually cling to the proverb mficha uchi hazai which means one can
not beget a child if one conceals one’s nakedness. Since music is my
profession, it’s my land and my economy, I dare not leave the tools of trade
behind whatever the circumstances. My roommate, Mr. Desire (please pronounce in
French) from Burundi arrived at 11.00pm, after I had finished my practice, that
meant any discussion about the presence of music gadgets would be the following
day.
The following day we had a whole day of orientation and this
is where I began feeling home even though the rooms seemed small for a musical
performance. Thankfully, and unbeknownst to me, my needs were catered for. This
was not only an academic center, but also a holistic center where brilliance
was understood not to be limited to papers and theories. Well, we got a little
scared by one Mr. Imran, the head of admissions but I remembered campus life.
Whatever face he put on was matching his job.
Mr. Francis led the orientation in the most effective way and
when he announced that we’d leave Kenyatta University for Bracken Hurst Hotel, I
recalled his friendliness and reached.
“Hello sir…, I came with my guitar and I’d like to carry it
with me because I can’t stay two days without practicing,” I said, eyes full of
hope and my face brimming.
Whether it was for the presumption for him or the
excitement of making it here I can’t tell. I just recall him saying,
“Sure, no problem.”
Bracken Hurst presented wonderful bonding sessions that helped us know
one another before engaging in class work. As young people, we made friends quickly
as it took just the first tea break to see small groups emerging and of course
teams of pairs; I mean, ladies and gentlemen. The first exercise reminded me of
the series ‘QUANTICO.’ We were told to find out from minimally five people
various aspects of life. Two people came to me and asked me a question which I guess
it was because they had seen me with a guitar. They forund out that I have no
problem singing before people. That being my daily hope, what followed
broadcast my passion to the whole team.
Mr. Robinson from Uganda was the first one
to finish the assignment. He read out my name and when the facilitator noted
the characteristic, he asked me to prove. That’s when I recalled that we had
left our luggage outside. He then pointed me to a grand piano on his right hand
side! This was way beyond my expectation. We all know that such moments are
never to be wasted. I went and introduce my song, SAY NO TO POOR LEADERSHIP. Since
the lyrics are easy to follow, one minute was enough for the whole hall to be
warmed up by the chorus.
I must say that the short presentation earned me friends (of
course by God’s grace). Thereafter, there was a group of five to eight young people
around the piano together with Chrispin a fellow Kenyan who had come with his
guitar. We sang a few hymns and pop songs before I taught them what I called Stand
for Change (YALI THEME). I started composing this song as soon as I got a
congratulatory message from the admission desk, a month before. The chorus can
be sung in English, Swahili and French and I just loved how the youths grasped
and appreciated the lines.
The High ropes activities deepened our budding bonds the
more as we learned the essence of trust, team work and the importance of daring
to risk. I must admit this was something I had never tried and it was somewhat
scary but eventually everyone pulled through. The last day at the hotel began
with an exercise to solve an African problem. Our team, The lions had a skit,
poem and a song which tackled illiteracy in Africa. Just to let you know, the song
was composed within twenty minutes by a section of the team and the end f our
presentation was not without everyone on their feet, dancing and singing thus:
We are the agents of a better Africa,
Educated Africa
The week ended on a pick as we learned the essence of an
Inclusive society. The teaching on selflessness is never an easy one. However,
the team must be applauded for the way the whole program is tailored to ensure
everyone understands. On Friday, a challenge from Riara University was presented
to us in our various groups. The day was a bit long as we took time to pitch ideas.
On Saturday, we were invited to participate in a clean up
exercise at Karen shopping center which we did cheerfully. On the way to and
from Karen, I couldn’t get mind of my new album called Ubuntu.
The aim for this
is to sensitize the society to go back to the basics of being human. We love
technology and yes, it is very important. Even so, I am sure that I am not the
only one under pressure to ignore the people around me while laughing with
others I might never see overseas. Ubuntu is about Africa, love, community
development and letting youths know that no one will create it for us.
As I reflected, I recalled the session on Social Inclusion
by Mr. Moses Okumu. He emphasized the point that humanity comes first before we
are anything else and that we are the ones responsible for the change we want.
I
hope my fellow leaders didn’t find it weird that I took a lone seat both ways.
The result of that is a tune that I think is beautiful and educative as well as
entertaining. In filling up my Ubuntu Album, I had the concepts, but I must
admit, that for this song, it was not until this weekend that it came out. I’m
so grateful that it comes out in the presence of leaders from East and Central
Africa. God willing, Africa shall get the point home soon. You can get the song
on YouTube by clicking Mimi na Wewe (Africa is Waiting for Us). The following
people are highly appreciated for accepting to do the draft with me till
10:00Pm:
Stay tuned especially for the next three weeks. Lots of fun coming your way!
Ruth Lelei : Vocalist_Kenya
Tushabe Immaculate: Vocalist_Uganda
Chrispine Bosire: Vocalist/Guitarist_ Kenya
Josue Sincre: Vocalist/Video recorder_ Rwanda
Joseph Jinju: IT Support @ Dowe Music & Arts_Kenya
The writer is the founder of Dowemusic &Arts
