Unlike many gospel artistes today, Mary Atieno has remained consistent for the last three decades. And the teacher, mother and pastor is not about to give up, writes CAROLINE NYANGA

For the better part of the 1980s Mary Atieno’s super vocals was almost signature tune in most music stores and in the only broadcasting station then VOK (now KBC). The visually-impaired singer could see through her great gospel music that touched most East Africans hearts turning many to God.

With the release of her hit single, Adamu Na Eva, her popularity reached stratosphere. And for almost a decade Mary Atieno proved that disability is not inability as she rocked the gospel scene.

Every song she released was a hit including Sodom na Gomora, Jerusalem Mpya, Nirudieni, Hakuna Mungu Kama Wewe, Osiogope, Hakuna Mungu Mwingine, Njooni Tumsifu, Yesu ni Jawabu, Nimeokoka, Nani kama Yesu and Usife Moyo.

Journey to fame

With 12 albums under her belt she is not done yet and is promising more. "The secret of my music lies in good planning and taking time to read the Bible for wisdom. This enables me to minister in my songs," she explains. Mary has maintained her style of music, which is singing Bible oriented verses and aims at touching the souls with its lasting messages.

Although the younger generation may not be familiar with some of her classic releases, Mary is still a force to reckon with in local gospel music.

Despite her musical success, she has never neglected her duty as a wife, mother, teacher and a preacher of the gospel.

Musical success

"It is not easy to succeed as a blind woman especially in music which is considered a male affair. I managed through God’s grace and continues to do so," she says.

"Those who have been keenly following my music will agree that I have maintained my standards," she adds.

Mary and her husband Pastor Ominde have been busy touring the US among other countries, to evangelise and sing. She has also toured Uganda, Tanzania, Congo and Britain. The couple established a worship centre, the Sanctuary of Hope in 2001 in Kayole Estate.

The musician who attended Thika Salvation Army High School for the Blind says she was partly inspired by renowned singer Reuben Kigame.

"During my free time, I would sing with him and later curved a niche for my gospel career," she enthuses.

At school, she led the Starlight Choir during major events and State functions.

Even upon joining Kenyatta University as a Bachelor of Education student Mary Atieno often composed patriotic songs besides leading the campus choir.

Born in Kirengo Village, Karungu in Nyanza, life was not easy for Mary Atieno and her family. Hailing from a polygamous family she was the first born in a family of nine.

"My father Francis Yara, a headmaster had two wives—my mother Paulina Ajwang’, a housewife and my stepmother Rachel Akello a teacher."

She recalls that when she was born, everything about her seemed normal. Little did they realise what lay ahead. It was not until she was five months old that they realised she was blind. Although they did their best to ensure she would be able to see again by taking her to medical institutions including the then famous King George Hospital (now Kenyatta National Hospital). But all was in vain.

"At some point during my school days, I met a Kenyan of Asian origin who gave me hope of seeing again. He told me about his similar experience and the fact that he was able to see after an operation."

But she could not convince her father to finance her operation. He had long given up hope of his daughter ever seeing again. Unlike many girls who never went to school, she secured a place at Asumbi Mission sponsored by the Catholic Church before moving to St Oda’s Aluor Girls School for the Blind and Thika High School for the Blind. She later joined Kenyatta University to study education.

Upon completing her education, she joined International Fellowship of Christ Choir that saw her release evergreen gospel chartbusters like Adamu na Eva, Sodoma na Gomora and Hakuna Mungu Mwingine that topped the charts for two years. In 2004, she released another album Njooni Tumsifu that was well received.

Teacher

Her advice to people out there; "I always remind them the importance of accepting Christ as their personal saviour if they hope to prosper," says the musician who began her teaching career in 1998 at Buruburu Girls’ Secondary School. As an English and Literature teacher, she taught Form Three and Form Four students.

"On the other hand, I wasn’t too sure how the students would react upon being taught by a blind person but surprisingly, everything worked out well, as both students and teachers were very supportive. The only challenge was that I had to prove that I was good at my work," says the singer adding that she hates sympathy. "My principle has always been to live life to the fullest and serve God no matter how difficult the situation may seem," she concludes.