MAKE WAY_CHARLO KW Official Lyrics Video

Mdundo link: Download Audio

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Lesotho _Nviiri The Storyteller ft Ray Gee_Cover by NEEMA

Neema is Unstoppable! Check out what she did with Nviiri The Storyteller ft Ray Gee's track Lesotho. I personally think this version is wonderful. Be on your gadget on Wednesday 22nd March 2022 8:14PM EAT and rest assured you'll love everything. Here's a teaser for your patience.

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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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GHETTO CHILD_THE ULTIMATE EXHIBIT OPTIMISM AMIDST CHALLENGES

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BowDown

So much is going on and it is very easy to get puffed up in the anguish and despair. However, in this song, we are reminded of the Majestic nature of the creature in making all of us. The author takes time to marvel at the creation and Christ's redemptive work at the cross. We hope you enjoy as much as your spirit is lifted. Stay safe, keep calm.

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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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Building Resilience With Music & Art

I went back to the studio after clearing part of rental arrears to the business premise still not sure of how I’d get the balance. Has

anyone noticed that unlike when we were growing up, time flies like no one’s business during this COVID-19 pandemic? I could be alone in this but back then,during the planting season in the village, food was scarce and days seemed to just take their time. Maybe it’s because I have a bunch of monthly bills, debts and payments to make. Let’s face it, lock-downs have had a drastic economic effects to small businesses especially here in Africa and other third world countries. As an entrepreneur who has gigantic dreams of touching the whole globe some time to come, I must confess that even the very dreams have been put to test.

As I sat, gazing at the piano, holding the guitar in my hand and the monitor speakers looking like they just wanted me to feed them with

what I was feeling, I couldn’t help but allow the massive flow of stories of anguish that crisscrossed my mind from social media, boda-boda guys, fruit vendors, once smiling chaps now rendered jobless. We had just released Better Days and were happy that it was encouraging people, but seemingly, the situations were getting tougher and we still need a voice of resilience.

From the sad episode of a mother boiling stones in Mombasa to a young man throwing himself from a footbridge in Nakuru-where I live yet to one where a friend of mine talked of being thrown out of the house due to rental arrears, my heart was heavy. Writing the verses of this song seemed like I was reading on a certain screen. Normally, my experience has always been,start with the chorus, then the other sections build up, or better still, have an Idea of how it would sound as I write the verse. Two weeks in the month of May, I had everything except the chorus.

Then one day, I just remembered some historical tales. How chanting is part of the African way of showing or calling for solidarity and in most cases our great grandparents chanted to wade off evil. That’s how the idea of Together In This came about. They would own the calamity as a community and fight together, bury the fallen as a family, and would have their thespians lead them in songs of victory, sometimes even before the battle

ends. Having spoken so much and created a somber mood in the verse, it would be too much for the chorus to carry many concepts. It’s when the chorus proved to fit that the title for the song came up.

After the audio production, I sent to one of my analysts who said they loved the many voices in the chorus. And I thought, what if many faces come in to visualize the chorus? With Covid-19 restrictions, the best way would be to have everyone do it from whichever location then have them all appear on the screen at the same time. We are grateful to Leah Wangari for helping us translate the chorus into Sign Language. Should you require such services kindly reach out to info@dowemusicarts.com and we'll be sure to get her to assist you. Allow me, on behalf of Dowe Music and Arts

to appreciate this team below:

BURUNDI

1.
Abiya S. Ibrahim

ETHIOPIA

2.
Semira Ahmed

GHANA

3.
Sumaila Ibrahim

INDIA

4.
Seema Kataria

She is a creative blogger who inspires thousands with her poetry filled with real life enthusiasm. Check out her work on Seema Kataria Blog

KENYA

5.
Angel Michelle

Our youngest participant was a Form II Student at Turkana Girls National School. We can't be thankful enough to the Parent who allowed her to take part. Angel is a talented artist that has interacted with us for mentorship on singing. We strongly believe she has potential in music life.

6.

Beatrice Awuor_YALI

7.

Billjobs Winston

8.

Catherine Igoki_YALI

9.

Cynthia Nakhumicha

10.

Esther Ochola

11.

Jackline Kawira_YALI

12.

Judith Nyangari

13.

Julia Kamau_YALI

14.

Kereni Waeni

15.

Lenah Mwangi

16.

Lochara Benard

17.

Mercy Nyakio

18.

Milcah Mwihaki

19.

Phineas mugambi

20.

Phylis G. Wanja 

is a 25 year old pencil Artist who uses Art as Therapy as a healing tool ,to help victims of ill- mental health as well as use Art ( drawings and cartoons) to educate the society on issues concerning Mental Hygiene , Mental Health and ill- mental health. She is the founder of Afyakili Organization, that brings together the youth for positive change on matters concerning Mental Health. She has partnered with different Organizations to propel change, to reach out to more individuals in need. Currently, she has been running a campaign #ToaMaskCampaign, that is on a mission of educating people on the importance of Speaking Up and not hiding their true emotions and feelings with happy faces and perfect lives,yet they are suffering deep within, with an aim of reducing suicide rates among the children, youth and the elderly.  She is also an entrepreneur who is passionate about finding solutions for the youth,  by educating them about the Business Model Canvas ,Entrepreneurship and how to spot opportunities, with an aim of eradicating youth unemployment, which is a major factor that leads the youth being victims of ill-mental health. Reach Phyilis at Wanja wa Wangeci

21.
Precious Maxine

A gifted singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Precious is a sought after musician in Nakuru County, and the country at large. She plays the Bass Guitar, piano among other instruments and you may see her works and subscribe to her channel on YouTube at Precious Maxine

22.
Simon Ohiambo_YALI

23.
Stella Cheoi_ELF

24.
Waithera itonga

25.
Zipporah Wanjiru

NIGERIA

26.
Adewale Adeyemi

 Adewale Adeyemi is a musician and music consultant with over a decade experience in music business. He has organized various music concerts and music business conferences, inspiring over 500 music professionals in Nigeria.

Find out more from Adewale here www.porchmusicbox.com

PAKISTAN

27.
G.J Naseer

28.
Abdul Hameed Buzdar

REPUBLIC OF CONGO

29.
Gerria Sundi_YALI

RWANDA

30.
Tuyishimire Theophile

SUDAN

31.
Flowers John Tito

32.
Mushtaha Abdalla

TANZANIA

33.
Malega Williams Kalembire_YALI

UGANDA

34.
Lynn Nakabugo

UNITED KINGDOM

35.
GEORGE KAMAU

36.
STEPH GRANTHAM

ZIMBABWE

37.
Tinashe Maswaure

Is a final year student at Bindura University of Science Education working towards attaining a Bachelors honors Degree in Accounting. He currently holds Finance Manager Position at WEDB Finance Service with two (2) years’ experience in the field of Finance. He has been involved in various women empowering projects in Zimbabwe through Woman Excel Organisation. Recently, he has successfully assisted in the registration of Empowered Woman Excel SACCo Zimbabwe.

We hope that you enjoyed reading as well as watching the video. Whatever you may be going through, remember, you are never alone!

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