Varsity students and lecturers united in showbiz

By Harold Ayodo

It is after lectures at Maseno University and Clinton Ochieng’ croons as two of his lectures play instruments at the music room.

The Creative and Performing Arts student breaks into a dance as the African tune reaches climax.

The trio are members of the university band comprising of staff and students who have released a CD that is getting a lot of play on local radio stations.

The dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Caleb Okumu says demand by fans sent the band to the recording studio three months ago. "We performed before several corporate and presidential functions and received standing ovations after the shows," says Prof Okumu, a lead vocalist and director of the band. The band entertained President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga at State Lodge and Opoda Farm during the duo’s recent tour of Nyanza. "We perform at various events, including State functions, end year parties, university exhibitions, weddings and agricultural shows.

From Left: Members of Maseno University lecturer-student band Prof Caleb Okumu, Clinton Ochieng and Prof Omolo Ongati. [PHOTO: HAROLD AYODO ]

Two months

The 12-member band recorded the CD during the May – July holiday at Chukua Records at Tom Mboya estate in Kisumu. "It took two months to come up with the four track CD…each song lasts 10 minutes," Okumu says. The tracks include Hongera (congratulations), Karibu Maseno (Welcome to Maseno), Nya K’ Okelo (Girl from Okelo’s home) and Heshimu Wazazi (respect parents).

Okumu, who is an established Benga and Rhumba artist, says balancing academic work and passion for music is challenging.

The scholar says the essence of university education is to produce all-round students who can deliver in the contemporary job market.

"We teach creative and performing arts theory during lectures but go an extra mile to involve students practically," says Mathematics Professor Omolo Ongati who doubles up as a guitarist and vocalist.

Feel refreshed

Other lecturers in the band are Fred Wekesa who plays both the lead and rhythm guitar and James Mutuku (keyboard and vocals). "I feel refreshed when I appear for rehearsals after spending the better part of the day following lectures in class," Ochieng’ says.

He started singing at Kisumu Day High School and he is determined to pursue music as a career following the success of the CD.

Former members of the band like Zippy Okoth, and Dominic Khaemba are recording artistes.

 

 

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