The trumpet blowing role model

By Ajanga Khayesi

Elisha Otieno may only be 12 years old, but he is already going places with his music. Elisha, who plays trumpet and drums, is the youngest instrumentalist in Kisumu.

He attributes his success to child development worker Joshua Ongule.

"Ongule taught me how to hold the trumpet, blow in the air and push the buttons to sound distinct notes in a tune," Elisha told Generation Next.

He practices every weekend and is a member of the Boys and Girls Brigade (BGB) entertainment band which was established in 2005 at Emmanuel Children’s Centre, Kisumu.

"Music teaches discipline, enjoyment, entertainment, occupation and spiritual principles," says Otieno.

He came into the limelight last year during World Aids Day celebrations in Kisumu West District.

And during the Day of the African Child celebrations at the Jomo Kenyatta Sports Grounds, Kisumu, Elisha stunned the large audience by outshining adult members of the Salvation Army Church Band.

He performed for the President, ministers, several dignitaries and showgoers at the Kisumu Agricultural Society of Kenya shows in 2007 and last year.

"As I mingled with the Salvation Army Band and the Armed Forces Band, I learnt lessons that upped my skills," he says.

Elisha has become a local celebrity of sorts, with many boys and girls eager to learn the trumpet from him.

"I have made friends and met exciting people through music," says the boy who aspires to be a doctor.

Elisha’s other interests are scouting, environmental conservation, gymnastics and peer club activities.

The confident Standard Five pupil at Pandipieri Primary School in Kisumu is an orphan.

"I did not see either of my parents whom I am told died when I was a toddler," says Elisha. He stays with his elder brother, Tobias Odhiambo, in Nyalenda slum. He is the eighth born of nine children.

Elisha advises fellow youth to avoid hard drugs and peer groups that are involved in bad acts such stealing and way laying villagers in the night.