RAMADHAN TSUMA

NITETEE.

Today we talk about royalty, Ramadhan Tsuma's versatility as an artist, highlighting his successful career as an actor, singer/songwriter, dancer and a poet. His notable accomplishments and his upcoming project Nitetee under Dowe Music. Ramza has been in the art industry for 3 years  professionally under  Rift theatres production.

 He has appeared in numerous successful films, playing roles such as Sultan in a musical play Aladdin a McTedEnt Production staged at Nakuru Players Theatre on 2nd and 3rd Dec 2022, he has also acted in set books such as Blossoms of the Savanna, The Pearl, Chozi la Heri, and Kigogo which he and his team performed at Langalanga high school, Njoro boys, Kirobon Boys, and Kericho High school. 

Ramadhan Tsuma is also know for his philanthropy particularly in areas of Environment where he has actively participated in climate change activisms under the community based organization  Talk to save Youth. he has on several occasions such as World Aids day facilitated the drug and substance abuse awareness program in Rvist, Kikopey Sec School, Kaptembwo, Koinange and Heshima Primary schools. One of his major work has been Talanta na Amani program spreading peace under Sarakasi Trust sponsored by the American Spaces which has seen him actively work on various projects for the betterment of the society.

His upcoming project Nitetee set to be released soon is a simple and melodic song that express a deep sense of humility and gratitude with a focus on creating a peaceful and meditative atmosphere. 

The Executive Director  McTed Entertainment, Jacob Endurance simply describes Ramza as not just a simple entertainer but also a true artist who uses art to spread love and encourage diversity and unity through his music. He inspires other artists to grow in the right direction.

Published by Mercy Mitei.

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The Winning Team: MWF 2021 Part I

 

Mercy and Philip Olilo (MWF 2021)

Wednesday night. Fellows are all over Zen Gardens. Some taking contacts you would think none of us is in the same WhatsApp group we all belong to…but we know what that means; someone is being intentional about keeping in touch with you or the tingling effect just happened…or is it a spark? Forgive us, it is the first time we are meeting physically since we started applying for Mandela Washington Fellowship and made it. I think it’s two years now. A few of them have their eyes shining, eyeballs widening as if in readiness for an eyeing match with owls. I tease one of them to stand on one foot and you know how it goes with every tipsy champ, “You think I can’t…?” Okay, let me digress a little.

Trizah, Lenah and Paul (MWF2021)

I love engaging people. I move a way from what seems to be a dance floor where fellows are trying so hard to make moves. Annette, the Cultural Specialist at the US Embassy-Kenya, and the lead organizer of this event is present. I wish I captured the video. Well, it suffices to affirm that she’s good at it.  I go to Phillip Olilo’s table. The tall dark young man (MWF 2021 Alumnus) smiles at me with a good mastery of eye contact. I realize though, he must be busy on phone, perhaps with an ongoing online meeting. Anyway, he’s a colleague, we can catch up later. I’m interested in Mercy, his sign language translator. She is a teacher at Farther Auderaa School for the Hearing Impaired, at Nyangoma village, Siaya County of Kenya. We had introduced each other earlier so our chat can take any angle.

Mercy: I am so humbled. It is just amazing what young people can do. Everyone is creating impact till I’m left wondering where I’ve been all these years.

Douglas: I think you are doing more in your space. By the way, what drove you into Special Education?

The professional sign Language educator smiles and one can tell how passionate she is about teaching children with disability and in this case, those with hearing impairment. After a brief history…

Mercy: To this end, I don’t think I can trade this profession for any other. The world I’m in is so peaceful. I want to do this every day, anytime.

We discuss the challenges facing children with disabilities among which include the long journey that most governments in Africa are yet to accomplish as well as the unpreparedness among families. I marvel at how she brims with joy while describing the fun she has with the children at the school, saying challenges are everywhere and like every other person, we ought to address them as opportunities to make the world better.

For a moment we talk about the differences in the sign language curriculum across the world and that’s how I recall a Swahili short story I wrote in 2013 as a tribute to the late Nelson Mandela. We both laugh at my sign language translating character who was saying things that were in no way related to what the speakers were saying, messing a trip for a deaf child whose Father had given a treat to attend a funeral of Africa’s first President, Rufomuze. We end up agreeing that there is a long way to go on matters disability preparedness. The bus is arriving, we must go back to the boarding hotel… everyone wishes we just stayed here. I wrap it up…

Douglas

Fellows pose with Charge D’ affairs

: I think you are best fit for MWF. This fellowship is about winners, and by that, I mean people who are resilient, passionate about; community service, purpose driven life and seeing positive change in themselves and the environment around them. Be sure to apply when the time comes. Philip can help you with essay reviews, I mean, all fellows here are willing to help if you get in touch. You are a great leader.

Mercy: Oh yes! This is something I’m waiting for. Thank you!

Douglas: Thanks for your time, I can see the bus is ready.

Annette and Mr. Machin

Everyone gathers their gift hampers, and the driver is aware of such a night, so he is patient with the few who must stagger as they walk, talk and sing to the bus. The event has been a great one. The kind that has somehow soothed the disappointment brought by Covid-19 hindering us from travelling to Washington DC for an in-person fellowship. Thanks to the Embassy officials under the leadership of Mr. Machin Christopher.

To be continued….

All photos by Douglas and Saumu Idd (MWF2021)

The writer is the founder of Dowe Music &Arts. He is passionate about sound leadership and social positive change in Africa. Art is a tool he uses to transform lives in Kenya and Africa.

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SAY (Official Audio) Douglas Ogutu x Seema Kataria

We are so excited for this new project. Douglas Ogutu and Seema Kataria have collaborated in making a love song. The fusion of East Africa and Indian sounds have taken the music to a beautiful level. Let’s start you of the journey with this duo first with the Official Audio and Lyric Video. Be sure the Official video is in the offing. We hope that you will enjoy this piece. Let us know on the comment section. Below are all the links you might feel comfortable working with. Remember to subscribe, share and follow. Much love from the Dowe Music & Arts team. Happy November! You can read Seema's writings on her blog at Seema Katria Blog

Need to download the audio? Use any of the links below:

Say on Mdundo

Say on SoundCloud

Say on AudioMack

Say on You Tube

Say on BoomPlay

Below are the lyrics to the song:

Say La la la La la la La la la La la la Say La la la La la la La la la La la la Say Say what you wanna say Come closer to me and say Wrap me around your arms and say Till it gets harder say Say what you wanna say Come closer to me and say Wrap me around your arms and say Till it gets harder say La la la La la la La la la La la la Say La la la La la la La la la La la la Say Whisper in my ears Or mumble and play I might not understand say Till it gets over say Whisper in my ears Or mumble and play I might not understand say Till it gets over say La la la La la la La la la La la Say La la la La la la La la la La la la Say Say Say Look deep in my eyes and say Take away my breath Don’t hide, what I seek just say Till it’s dawn say Look deep in my eyes and say Take away my breath an say Don’t hide, what I seek just say Till it’s dawn say La la la La la la La la la La la la Say La la la La la la La la la La la la Say Yeah, them flowers make better sense now When I’m still in the mood Gasping for the love to grow Say what you have or soon You’ll be chasing the shadow If you’re feeling what I think stand up Let me know! Say Time is too precious To be wasted on guesses Why are you sending me All those signals? Say I kind of know where you are But my ear needs to hear this Cz when I’m gone hiyo gharama (That esxpense) Ni meaningless Say La la la La la la La la la La la la Say La la la La la la La la la La la la Say La la la La la la La la la La la la Say Say what you wanna say Come closer to me and say Wrap me around your arms and say Till it gets harder say La la la La la la

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UNDER18 LYRICS

Download Under18 Mp3 

Hello, Our Facebook page is live for the whole week and we can't keep calm. The poster below will give you a hint of the activities as we focus on the recently released JITUME TU album. Track number #1 of the album is known as UNDER18  which is the theme song of this year's second edition of Art4Leadership. Stay tuned as we will bring you all the news concerning the events right here. For now, to get the audio of the songs check out these links: Under18 on Boomplay or Under18 on Mdundo. 

Here are the lyrics with the translated version of the Swahili parts right below.

Heshima ni kitu muhimu msee

Kuchanganya akili za Watoto na pesa ujinga mzee

Kila mtu ameumbwa kuishi vyema kufuaulu aisee

Tunakuza kizazi, unawatega na viazi

Bado hawana mizizi, unawafanya wazazi

Unabeba uchizi, tutakuliza machozi

Ukitaka kufanya tizi, wachana rika hizi

You’re messing up with a brighter future,

Shaping failures, grooming haters

Drowning dreamers, killing leaders

Blinding mentors, wasting purpose

Their future now is bleak, they’re becoming weak

We won’t let you freak; we see you in the dark,

We give you a serious break, you’re never of the hook

Usiguse mtoto huku, we will hunt you down

We will hunt you down, we will hunt you down

 

Under 18, Wacha wasome!!

 

Mzazi pia nisikize bana,

Tunajua una mihela ama huna nd’o unasaka sana

Watoto wanafunzwa na ulimwengu tukilaumiana

Kazi yako ofisi, maanake uko busy,

Mtoto ana tetesi, huna hajana kesi,

Nje kuna mafisi, na mioto kama pasi

Tenga muda kiasi, mtoto aisle risasi

You brought them here, they didn’t apply,

Hear them cry, asking why,

Mama’s away, where’s my daddy

Hear them pray, come and stay

Who will be their guide, moving through the tide

Please take a stand, take away the cloud

They are not rude, just a little scared

Mzae keti rada, life is tough on them

Life is tough on them, life is tough on them

Under 18, Wacha wasome!!

Vipi brother sister nipe dakika moja

Life haina spare nd’o maana leo nimekuja

Jifunze kusema No, kujiwaste hakuna haja

Mwili unawake, shida zinakusaka

Raha ikishika, ni noma kukutoka

Presha inakusuka, mabeste wakikuteka

Ukitulia wanakucheka, but Mungu anakutaka

Ujana ni moshi, this will end

Stand your ground, build your brand

I’ll hold your hand, I’ll be your friend

If you want to trend, si lazima u blend

This is your time to grow,

18 and below, deterimines where you’ll go

I’m talking to you hello, there’s a better tomorrow

Haya Maisha ni yako, make your choices wise

Make your choices wise, make your choices wise

 

Under Eighteen, Wacha wasome,

Under Eighteen, Wacha wasome,

Under Eighteen, Wacha wasome

Under Eighteen, Wacha wasome

Translated Sections

Verse1: Warning to the public

Respect is an important thing pal

Confusing children with money is foolishness old folk

Everybody has been created to live well and succeed

We are raising a generation, you ensnare them with fries

They have no roots yet you’re making them parents

You’re making us fools we’ll make you shed tears

If you want to exercise, leave this age-set alone

You’re messing up with a brighter future,

Shaping failures, grooming haters

Drowning dreamers, killing leaders

Blinding mentors, wasting purpose

Their future now is bleak, they’re becoming weak

We won’t let you freak; we see you in the dark,

We give you a serious break, you’re never of the hook

Do not touch a child here we will hunt you down.

We will hunt you down, we will hunt you down

 

Verse2: To the parents

Parent listen to me too

We know you’re loaded with money or are searching for it a lot

Children taught by the world while we play blame games

Your work is in office, meaning you’re very busy

The child has a complaint, you’ve no time for the case

Outside are hyenas and fire like a hot iron box

Spare some little time, lest the child suffer the bullet

You brought them here, they didn’t apply,

Hear them cry, asking why,

Mama’s away, where’s my daddy

Hear them pray, come and stay

Who will be their guide, moving through the tide

Please take a stand, take away the cloud

They are not rude, just a little scared

Parent beware, life is tough on them,

Life is tough on them, life is tough on them

Chorus

Hello brother sister give me one minute

Life has no spare that’s why i’ve come

Learn to say no there’s no need wasting yourself

The body is on fire, troubles are looking for you

When merry engulfs you it’s very hard to escape

Pressure is mounting, friends are holding you hostage

If you deny they laugh at you but God still wants you

Youthfulness is like smoke, this will end,

Stand your ground, build your brand

I’ll hold your hand, I’ll be your friend

If you want to trend, you don’t have to blend in

This is your time to grow,

18 and below, determines where you’ll go

I’m talking to you hello, there’s a better tomorrow

This is your life, make your choices wise,

Make your choices wise, make your choices wise

Download Under18 track

Download Whole Album

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STUDENT OF THE YEAR!

 

Optimism, hope, a longing for a brighter sun is what engulfed the whole world, perhaps even the entire universe as we counted the dragging days of 2020. You could see the empty streets mid March, thinking it would only take a few weeks then we'd be back. October, November, December 1st...11th...21st...31st curfews were still on. Thankfully, we can now say this in past tense. Even though the virus is still among us, our resilience has paid off. The cautiousness has helped us curb the menace. We are not afraid, and we shall overcome. Yes, even though we mourn the loss of loved ones, decry the loss of jobs and curse the disruption of our economy, we are standing tall to this giant, ready for a fruitful 2021 against all odds, HAPPY NEW YEAR! There are BETTER DAYS ahead!

Our physical lessons were interrupted as the students had to travel home due to restrictions. Thankfully, a few would be comfortable to continue with the virtual lessons. However, things were never the same or as thriving as we had envisioned while we were doing a post like this last year. The paradox though is that this is the year we have done more especially on the output of the Music Production as well as increasing our visibility. Our social Media handles are doing well as we get more inquiries from potential clients. For all your comments, clicks, following and support in whichever way, we want you to know that we are grateful and that you matter to us. Thank you.

Well, this post is about recognizing our outstanding student. The disclaimer is that all our students are always great, and for this year, they formed a great support team through their hard-work the zeal to know more, submitting assignments despite the challenges we experienced. Below is a conversation we had with our Student of the year, Tina Kasia- an accountant by profession.

Which Instrument did you learn?

Tina: Guitar

Why did you choose the above instrument?

Tina: A general interest. Sounds great.

How did you come to choose DMA?

Tina: I found the lessons to be ideal and class schedules are very flexible.

What can you say about our mode of instruction?

Tina: Professional and friendly.

Were your expectations met? 

Tina: Yes

Explain

Tina: I had been longing to play the guitar from a professional point of view. The training has aligned my skill.

Share any general comments for our readers

Tina: The instructor is very professional and has a yearning to teach. Makes you feel comfortable.

 

We applaud Tina for the award, and we'll be glad to give her a full set of new acoustic strings plus a guitar cable upon her certification.

As the new  unfolds, remember that you're never alone. We'll be here bringing you great tunes, fabulous lessons, inspirational stories as well as leadership captions. WE ARE TOGETHER IN THIS!!

 

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O COME_BEST COVER SAXOPHONE & GUITAR(PLANET SHAKERS)_ STEVIE & DOUGLAS

If you can access this link, then we all have a reason to give thanks. The year has been tempestuous, tedious and disturbing with unprecedented calamities. It is that year that we however, have come to learn what matters most, life. We hope you enjoy this Saxophone and Guitar cover by Douglas and Stevie from Dowe Music &Arts as arranged by Planet Shakers.

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OPPORTUNITY FOR ARTISTS: A CHANCE TO SHIMMER YOUR FLAIR, ACCESS 2020 IS HERE

 

 

YaaYaa(Ghana) and Douglas(Kenya)
During ACCES in Accra Ghana

More than 80 different ethnic groups, over 200 dialects spoken lies a land in Africa known for its own script. One of the world’s popular beverages, coffee was discovered in its region called Kaffa.  With this you must have already figured out what am talking about. You must be probably right.  “The cradle of mankind”, Ethiopia. It is a beautiful city with a unique people’s culture and typography.

Apart from all this interesting facts, an exciting music collaboration took place at its capital Addis Ababa. ACCES (Music in Africa Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases) started here in 2016. By that time it was a small feature on the Music in Africa Foundation’s AGM Plus programme.  Legendary Etgio-Jazz musician Mulatu Astatke was the keynote address; attended by delegates from more than 15 African countries.  Years later, in 2017, ACCES is launched as a fully-fledged international event drawing participants from all over the world. It is for this reason and many more; why you should be part of this amazing program this year.

Here is your chance to prove your shine on to the rest of the world.  There is talent in Africa. What more can be done if we don’t work on what we have and utilize on opportunities presented to us.

Organized by the Music in Africa Foundation, ACCES Africa 2020 will encompass various activities. Among them including pitch sessions, hub exhibitions, panel discussions and networking sessions. It will feature over 80 speakers and net-workers offering a chance to individuals to network, exchange ideas and interact with artists from the continent and diaspora.

East Africa’s Tanzania will be the host of this amazing feature at the Dar es Salaam National Museum and house of culture. One will get to enjoy various benefits of being part of this program. These includes but not limited to transport between venues and accredited hotels. Your logo stands a chance of being added to the ACCES Website and printed programme. In addition your company’s profile will appear on the Music in Africa website Music In Africa and in the dedicated exhibitor’s newsletter. This in return is sent to some 30000+ subscribers in Anglophone and Francophone Africa and the rest of the world.

Despite the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic, the foundation is hopeful for the event to commence on the 26th of November and offset 0n 28^th same month 2020. Isn’t a good time to do something positive to your community and also for personal growth? As we keep safe during this time and staying strong to conquer this virus, let us also build on us. This is why you should begin by registering for Acces Africa. See the original call here https://www.musicinafrica.net/acces

Tout le meilleur et garder en se’curite’ in other words, ‘All the best and keep safe!’

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Music is A Language: My Experience in Ghana

Douglas with a copy of High Life Time 3

Ebo Tylor receiving an exemplary award

There's so much talent in Africa that I think if we had the right civilization to utilize it, there is no continent richer than this cradle of mankind. Two weeks ago I was privileged to attend ACCES conference organised by Music in Africa hosted in Accra Ghana. Chale (Ghanaian icebreaker term for Friend),there is music in this continent, and there's so much authenticity in West African bands that one can only admire. What is taking so long for the society to embrace art as a legit profession and a source of income? Why are we forcing ourselves to be aligned with the Western Style and  end up revamping the cliche of  'Starving artistes?' Right from the first performance on the night of 28th November 2019 by the legendary Ebo Tylor to the last night epic presentation of the Mokoomba band from Zimbabwe, I am still nursing the imaginations that this conference brought my way with the likes of FRA Band!

Yaa Yaa with the writer after a short interview

Yes, I mean it when I say nursing because consumption of works of art for me happens consciously unlike food where I delegate the duty to my enzymes and intestines. I could only but admire the high level of competence that was graced by great communication skills (non-verbal) among the players on stage.The drummer, guitarist, singer and/or the violinist knows exactly where to stop, start and continue! Without Music Sheets! Oh, that we would mimic this kind of collaboration, teamwork skills and trust in our endeavors as young Africans in the daily struggles for change in this continent. Wouldn't Africa be miles ahead?

As I observed the bands play, I imagined the hours of practice invested in the works. I wondered whether or not these young people have 8-5 jobs and doubted if that excellence can be achieved by occasional meetups where someone comes only at convenient times. Then it dawned on me that all these bands were international stars and that means a 'formal employment' might not be their cup of tea. They would be branded incompetent and lazy. These are people who have gone against all odds, and decided to work on their brands and it's no wonder they are shining. I hope you as my reader (not just musicians) are learning something about success.

Kyekyeku

During the day, there were a lot of workshops and seminars that at one point made me struggle with choosing what to participate in. When I mentioned above that the musicians play so well from memory and not sight reading, the point has nothing to do with them not valuing education. In the main hall was John Collins, a Ghanaian of British Decent and Kyekeku (Pronounced as Checheku), a renowned guitarist and a band leader enlightening us on the history of Music in Ghana. I have to confess that that was the first time I came across the term High Life Music. I was appalled by how a 'normal' guitarist can be so rich in history, understanding music theory and customizing it in the African context. I am more confident that Africa is rich! The discussion and the short presentation of the early music in the country was enticing enough for me to purchase the 600 page book (The most Expensive text I've ever bought) by John Collins entitled "HIGH LIFE TIMES."

A moment with Ghanaian Promoter, Katinkah

Partners such as Boom Play, Appraise music store helped enlighten us on the marketing strategy for musicians. Theirs was a general call that live streaming is a disruptive business technology that every musician needs to be aware of, if indeed they want to succeed commercially. When was the last time you bought a CD, or as a musician, how are the CD sales so far?

Ladies and Gentlemen, brothers and sisters, chale, I fell in love. I fell in love with Yaa Yaa's music! I have to confess that sometimes I feel that I am the odd one out. I get an invite to a big event (Well not so big as I am yet to be that famous here) and all artistes have come with playbacks which they sing along and act like DJs. You know, that feeling you get that you are the odd one out and since our audience is okay with that, your performance looks like one from Mars if not Pluto. As a string player, you play carefully because if your string
happens to snap, none of the artistes will come to your rescue. Wasn't it fun when this happened during the performances and the lead guitarist asked for a nother guitar while his was being tuned and trust me, except for music nerds like me, no one could notice.

Yaa Yaa on stage

YAA YAA(BertherBridget Kankam), comes on stage and introduces the percussion with her majestic art on the tom drum. I saw great energy especially when she psyches her team in dancing to the original compositions that everyone would join in regardless of whether or not you know the language. We had a chat the following day and something struck me. Well, not all, but for a few that I've met, when an artiste gets to perform in such a high end event, they at most have a minute for you, and sadly, it's normally, "Hi, I'm good!" I managed an interview with Yaa Yaa and there's so much wisdom that I will share in an exclusive post to come.

A group of guitarists and 
composers/producers consulting

 This post won't mean a thing if I don't talk about the respected legend Obrafour when it comes to rap music in Ghana. His original name is Michael Elliot Kwabena Okyere Darko.  Prior to his coming, we were in a workshop with producers. This was a continuation of the presentations each one of us was giving on our works. I got to showcase my piece on forgiveness which you can get by clicking on the link Msamaha This was termed as very emotional by the audience among whom was a lead HipHop Producer, Mr. Koffi. One can only wonder the power of music. That the mind can decipher a psychological piece even without words is just a miracle. That is when I got to learn a lot on film scoring that has been part of my desire for as long as I can remember. BY the way, some days to come I will be starring! Now, people were not ready to break for lunch lest they miss a seat to hear Obrafour. 

Time elapsed, entered a short man, with a hat covering clean but very dark long dreadlocks almost reaching his waist. The room became frighteningly silent and he began to talk. Now I am fond of writing the main points from speeches; it turned out I was going to be writing everything! With the release of yesterdays Wajinga Nyinyi by the Kenyan rapper King Kaka, now I know that RAP just means Rythmic African Poetry as defined by Obrafour.  Never had I heard a successful rapper speak in a humble manner, attributing his success to God and when asked how he manages to write epic pieces he said; 

I am a student of the Bible. My mother brought me up training me in the fear of the almighty God. I took that up. In my work, I reckon that I am speaking to families and so, dignity is important, I need to inspire generations (Paraphrase).

Douglas in ACCES studio on collaborations

This popped  open a section in my mind that was blocked years ago as I joined High School. I composed a lot of songs and some of them were pieces for rap. Sadly, none of them got an extra ear because the role models I'd have wanted to look upto were just profane. Either about sex, alcohol or drugs. If you are in Kenya, find out hip hop artists in Kenya around 2004 and beyond. Since then, I wouldn't listen to a Hip-hop piece until after campus but still, getting my hands on writing rap gave me chills. Maybe, it's time!
As always, making friends is a good thing to help one appreciate diversity. The show was over and I had friends back where I was staying. The names I remember( I am poor with names at first instances) are Maiu Pachamama and Ibrahim. Perhaps because they were my company at the beach. The photos below include them and a few others at the residence.

The writer at the Ghana
Academy of Arts and Sciences

 I am sure, those who know me have been wondering how I got there, because Ghana is miles away. My gratitude goes to Music In Africa for giving me the opportunity to participate and Prince Clause Fund for facilitating my travel and accommodation. Thank you for reading!

The writer is and artiste at and founder of Dowe Music &Arts as well as the pioneer of Art4Leadership.

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Last week ended well with performance from Douglas, the CEO Dowe Music & Arts performing at the 2^nd Youth Symposium on Devolution. The conference dubbed, “Putting Youth at the Center of Devolution” saw young people from across Kenya and with diverse backgrounds learn a lot on matters governance.

 Ms. Caren Wakoli, the founder of Emerging Leaders Foundation emphasized the need for Kenyans to reconsider strengthening the family bond as a move towards sound leadership. She decried the erosion of morality in society and encouraged youths to go for value based systems rather than circumstantial decision making that influences Africa’s Constitutional Amendments.

Hon. Eugene Wamalwa, the CS for Devolution enlightened the youths about their rights within the counties and the country at large. He stressed the issue of citizens putting leaders on the spotlight with regards to the responsibility given during and after the elections.

All in all, it was a wonderful two day occasion with everyone pledging to move from just being sounding bells but being the real voice of change in a tag named: From Noise to Voice. The songs Say No To Poor Leadership and Carry On Africa graced the occasion leaving the participants with something to ponder. Here is what the event hosts talked about the performance. Authentic Music Appraised

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Touch A Soul: 2019 Valentine Edition

Touch A Soul Banner Made By
Activate Graphic Solutions

Dowe Music & Arts Team with the children

With all the fuss on social media about the men’s conference on Valentines Day, we at Dowe Music visited beautiful souls in one of the slum areas in Nakuru. Located off town just near the Lake Nakuru Game park is a home with a courageous woman. Elizabeth (a.k.a Mama Ng’endo) is a lady full of compassion and love for the less fortunate. She houses sixteen abandoned children by either irresponsible beings of a human or because of the cruel hand of death.

Soon after our expedition at the coast last week, we embarked on a fund drive to facilitate the visit. Well, before I delve much into this, I must mention that this visit became more relevant because of the Human Centered Design approach we applied. By Thursday, earlier week, we had not yet found a suitable orphanage to visit. Bu suitable I mean a place where we would get all the children at the same time. Most of them had some children in boarding school.

I was privileged to participate in the MWF 2019 interview. It happened that the panelist came late. Instead of each of us minding our own business and rehearsing what to say as it always happens in most job interviews, I told the group of five sharp looking ladies and one Gentleman to turn the chairs around. We did our introduction and that’s how I knew Susan.

Susan

Susan is a soft spoken lady graced with empathy for the underprivileged. Despite having growing up in a middle class family and currently having a good job (Things I came to learn later after the visit), one can only wonder why and how she has a heart to take occasional visits to Mama Ng’endo and do shopping for the children. It was after everyone had shared their stories that I told Susan about my interest in her visits to the home.

For the past one year, I have come to appreciate the power of story-telling and connecting with people. Little was it known to me that the lateness of our panelists (We all know that it is not in an American to be late) was a divine chance for me to make contacts with great change makers. Thankfully, I have contacts of all of them: Orpah, a volunteer with G-Unite, Sakuda a founder of a High School, Birir a fellow Yali Nakuru Alumni and the founder of Go Green and Linda.

Back to the top story. We did chat with Susan and on asking how we might help the home, she had every detail on her fingertips. Normally, we always think of bringing clothes and sadly (or is it fate), those that are torn and want someone to take them instead of turning them into dusters. Susan gave me a list of things that the home was in dire need. On top of the list was that there’s a need for well- wishers and sponsors to help Elizabeth educate the children. Well, this would be beyond our scope as our company has barely broken even and it’s still taking off. However, what if by you reading this story you can give it a shot. You can get our contacts at the Dowe Music &Arts website.

Reaching out to the current class of students, they suggested a budget so we can do a one-month shopping. I was so excited for a bout ten seconds then a thought came. Who was going to foot that? These young people? Long story short, we set a target which was surpassed by about $20 (Ksh.2000). We are grateful to everyone including friends of Dowe Music &Arts (Those who are neither alumni or current students) for the support you gave.

Elizabeth "Mama Ng'endo at her home,
Sewage Area, Nakuru

We arrived safely on Thursday evening, 14 of February.  Mama Ng’endo gave a story that made all of us appreciate life. Her husband was brutally murdedered in 2007during the Post- Election Violence. They found his lifeless body lying in a trench. Well, I have been preaching peace and singing about it for long but for once I felt a deeper unction to do this more and more.

She picked up herself and thought about life and what lessons God had for her in the new status of widowhood. A thought of taking care of orphaned children came in. Being a Christian, she thought so little about her meagre resources and how she would cater for the children. Elizabeth narrated how sometimes she wakes up to a toddler as young as a month old abandoned at her doorstep. This was so heart breaking especially as I remembered Susan telling me a testimony of how a child was almost dying of malnutrition and now she was a bundle of joy, months later, in the hands of Mama Ng’endo!

After introduction and short speeches from both the visitors and the host, we had an awesome moment of acoustic guitar music. Our repertoire was graced with Paul Clement’s Amani, Angel Benard’s Siteketei and Kuliko Jana by Sauti Sol. This was the first for one of our students. As we went back to office, Ms. Waigi had a comment to make.

 I didn’t know it’s this nice to help someone less fortunate…thank you so much for organizing this.

Touch a Soul will be here again in a year’s time. Remember, at any point in life, there is always someone less privileged than you. Dare to touch a soul!

The writer of this post is the founder of 

Dowe Music & Arts and the 

frontier of Art4Leadership. 

He is a Yali Alumni based in Nakuru.

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