Youth On the Move – I BELIEVE I CAN FLY!

To make it in this crowded society more than one skill is required, and the best of all is to tap into your talent and what you are passion about. Today I had a small interview with one of my students who will be graduating next week as a web design and developer after the intensive course at Nairobits Trust where I’m a senior trainer and the training coordinator.

This interview presented itself after Kennedy came in late today and instead of reprimanding him to go home which to me isn’t always the way, I was empathic with him to understand more about the reasons of coming in late to school. Apparently for the last six months I didn’t know Kennedy  was a DJ and his story today has really inspired me and what we do at Wilsen Initiative (Wi) urging the youths to use their talents and skills to foster positive change which can be social, economical or political.

Here is part of the interview;

Introductions
“My name is Kennedy Wanjohi better known as the Dj Cosmic the name means a free form of mixing. I live in Kayole. I started Dj in late 2012 though got connected to the professional circles  in 2013 where I started playing in clubs and events”.

What inspired you to be a DJ?
“I got the inspiration from renowned Dj’s Like Dj Kaytrixx and Dj Kaydee who have made a mark in the entertainment industry. I have grown in many skills and now one year down the line I have the privilege of playing on Clubs steps in Town, Viva Lounge in Kileleshwa and other events”.

Does it pay to be a DJ?
“I have been able to pay for my fare to school at Nairobits and also support my young siblings. My greatest challenge is getting good equipment which is too expensive to start my own business in Dj.  Besides being  a Dj I’m a student at Nairobist Trust majoring in web design and development and I’m happy next week (10th December 2013) I will be graduating.  I’m a passionate designer and Nairobits course has sharpened my skills to another greater stride and I’m ready to venture into the same field juggled with my passion for DJ on the side".

What is your future plans?
“My future plans are getting into radio and TV, and also buying my own equipment which will help me teach my fellow youths in my neighborhood. I  would like to share the skills acquired to  impact on other people’s live and  create networks that will promote young  talent".

Any best quote?
“Winners are losers who never quit”.

Personal  Logo – design at Nairobits

 

Kennedy Wanjohi AKA DJ Cosmic during one of the events in town.

TOUCH AND GLOW BY SARA KWALA

Kenya at 50years and we are celebrating those who fought for the freedom of this land. The question that strikes me the most at this point is where do all Kenyan women who have made an impact on society feature in all this? Kenya being a patriarchal society holds all successful men in high regard, statues have been erected all over in their honor to immortalize them. The least we can do for the Kenyan women is to recognize their efforts and accomplishment. In my mind I see a way of filling this gap is by mentoring our young girls and celebrating their being.

Mentorship is something to go back with to the drawing board and have a fresh start in terms of appreciating our women. Being a contemporary dance artist and a literature student. I am inspired by themes and stories that address the issues of women and I have created a work that speaks volumes on the subject matter: I still feel the need to do more.

Over the years I have seen girls with passion for art and categorically those from underprivileged background invest their time to learn and when they don’t feel the relevance of their being in what they are learning they abort their dreams and settle for anything that comes their way. We now have a growing breed of single young mothers with suckling babies strapped on their backs roaming the street, others becoming twilight girls and some turning to crime for survival. In other words I have seen talent being wasted and my position is lack of enough mentoring program for the girls is a setback especially in the contemporary dance field. I was privileged to be mentored by James Mweu who has been a constant guide in my journey as a young artist in the contemporary dance field. There are many other young female artists that need mentoring and don’t know who, where or how to approach this. Touch and glow is an initiative that seeks to empower young girls from all spectra of life, largely through arts and mentorship. In this regard the objective is to create a personal developmental relationship with the apprentice through learning, dialogue, stipulation of challenge, presentation in terms of performance and awarding efforts.

The launch of B3 T-shirts dedicate to all African women. Get yourself a copy and support the African women.

The Launch of B3 Tshirts - Boldness, Beauty, Brains...