The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
Peter Wafula does what he does best at the Youth Friendly Centre within Taveta Hospital. PHOTOS: JECKONIA OTIENO 8 May 2016
In her song featuring Churchill, Jamaican songbird Alaine Laughton goes to Kakamega to look for Wafula. It would, however, appear she was wrong because Wafula is many kilometres from Kakamega and what he can do will leave even Alaine shocked.
Peter Wafula, 19, dropped out of class seven due to biting poverty and embarked on a journey that would thrust him into twisted stardom — quite literally. He is a contortionist.
When Wafula entered the Taita Taveta County Talent Search Awards, he did not believe he would emerge the best weeks later during the Taita Taveta Talent Red Carpet Awards.
But all who followed the competition readily agree that Wafula was poised to win for his ability to twist and turn his body in ways many people cannot.
“I started practising contortion at 18 years and it has taken me a year to get where I am now. It has taken a lot of hardwork and I am slowly perfecting this art,” he says.
The sixth born in a family of eight who lives in Kibera Ndogo slum in Taveta Town says he was introduced to contortion by his late elder brother who attended many international shows to showcase this same talent.
After commencing the training, Wafula’s brother passed on and left him without a coach but this has not put him down. His brother’s death, however, came with another major setback.
“He had started organising for me to go to Spain where he plied his trade so that I could join him but his death took him away before we could complete the plans.
I will, however, get to that point where I will do my act internationally,” says the determined young man.
He is not only a contortionist but also a talented actor.
Wafula is part of the Taveta Youth Group which comprises young people who do theatre arts and music among other talent activities.
The young man advises youth to identify their talents and grow them because they never know where these gifts will take them.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
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