Do not go where the path may lead.  Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Emerson

It is amazing how music transcends generations, how it is that for music lovers the past, even as far back as 60 years ago can be a lesson on vibrations, rhythm,  and beats; how the past can be utilized as a baseline for creating future sounds.  Recently I had an encounter with some great young men, Kenyan to the core, I fell in love with those guys, I liked their vibe, the way they expressed themselves, the way they were so real!How did I end up meeting these young men? My angel had a class project, one where she had to do a term long research, on anything that she was passionate about.  She is passionate about music.  The project had several other parameters namely; that the research had to be meaningful and had have purpose.  She chose to focus on a particular aspect of music and asked me to help with contacts. She wanted to interview a group of young musicians who inspired her.   You don’t know how proud I am these days when my angel comes to me for help.  Honestly, I would move mountains, because if I fail her, she might not come again. So super mum to the task I rallied my entire “village” until I could get the meeting for her and off we went!

The young men graciously granted the interview; little did they know what they had gotten themselves into. They invited us into their studio one Friday night. They expected one parent and one child.   What they got was an invasion; five children ranging in age from 8 to 13 and adult chaperons to boot!  Much to my surprise, and though by sheer numbers we overwhelmed them and took over their creative space, they handled themselves extremely well.    I witnessed these young men being asked to individually assess their relationship with music, how it has influenced them to become who they are today.  They had to reach back into their pasts and revisit situations until they reached the various intersections when music began to be all they wanted to do. They had to recall and reconcile times in their past when they were forced to sideline their music because they had other responsibilities and commitments, yet it never left their minds.  How they worked on their own individual agenda’s trying to be part of mainstream, like going to college, starting careers more likely to guarantee success; yet in all that, they discovered that  music was part of their souls and they found themselves full circle, deeply embedded in it, living it, breathing it, loving it!

Why is it that some people have a passion so strong in them that they are willing to risk everything to be able to submerge themselves within that passion? On the flip side, why is it some of us are willing to ignore those secret passions and desires and just follow the mainstream, just do what it is we are expected to do, never deviating from the course, too busy living a mundane existence devoid of fire,  and excitement?  Why is it that a group of young men can opt to take on such a volatile career, one where there are no guarantees of success and one wrought with risks?  What is it that drives them to pursue their musical dreams at whatever cost?

Despite all odds, these passionate musicians hone their skill, they practice, they live, and they experience music every day. In conversation they break out in song as easily as you and I breathe.  They relate to life through music.  The everyday sounds that you and I hear resonate to them as rhythm and tunes to merge and integrate into future music that they produce.  Yet with all that, they are down-to-earth, no airs, no posturing.  During the meeting they were very gentle and accommodating and infinitely patient with the posse that disrupted their private space and studio time.  They talked of integrity, friendship, and family. They took time to advice their audience of kids on how to live in a righteous way yet be courageous enough to follow their hearts no matter the odds.  They spoke passionately about their friendship as individuals yet admitted to fights and tempers and all those very normal human emotions, shared between friends.

The overall experience of the encounter with the young men for me was enlightening, encouraging and absolutely awesome.   Time well spent; those treasured moments, you put in your archives to revisit at will, because it gives you joy and reminds you of all that is right with the world.  It was very encouraging to see young people with such drive, passion and determination.  Yet with such wonderful manners and grace in the way they pursued their dreams.

Kudos to you Sauti Sol; I wish you abundant success and happiness! “and the beat goes on, just like my love, everlasting!” The Whispers, 1979