YALI RLC East Africa Cohort 28: Hub of Inspiration

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 16^th 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