Meet the Benga musician who can sing in more than ten languages

Fred Akivambo, 52, is a unique multilingual Kenyan whose mastery of a variety of local and foreign dialects is second to none. While others may struggle in speaking or learning their native language, to Akivambo who speaks at least 10 dialects fluently, it's the simplest of tasks. The talent has earned Akivambo a reputation putting him a cut above his peers. The artist speaks Lingala, Luo, Kalenjin, Taita, Kisii, Swahili, and English languages flawlessly. His language prowess has seen him brush shoulders with the high and mighty among them former Vice President Musalia Mudavadi, governors, and Members of Parliament. Born in Lugari, the father of four has become a household name in his village. On the day of this visit, The Standard crew had no difficulties tracing Akivambo who is known to the young and old. Villagers have christened him owetsinimi (one who speaks in tongues). Akivambo's unique artistry has not only endeared Kenyans but also catapulted his music career. Maybe, the hallmark of his industrious career was when Akivambo, father of four was feted by President Uhuru Kenyatta during the Mashujaa day celebrations as the best composer and singer of Luhya Rhumba music across Western Kenya. While acknowledging the artist, in a speech read on his behalf by Butere Deputy County Commissioner Mr Elias Kithaura, the head of state lauded Akivambo for making good use of his talent by promoting cultural diversity. Though his dream of meeting President Kenyatta in person has never been realized, being feted by the head of state is a day he will live to embellish in his life. "I always give my best in everything I do like any other person pursuing success, the award was overwhelming, I did not know that my art was noticed and appreciated, have been performing in clubs and bars entertaining people in different languages, that moment they called me for that award emotions ran high," said Akivambo. Just like any other job that is made effective through hard work, Akivambo considers his quick mastery of language art that was embellished through passion. According to the artist, it was easier for him to learn and master different languages having lived the better part of his life in a cosmopolitan Lugari sub-county in Kakamega county. "For many decades we have stayed with friends from almost all tribes, the environment influences a lot the languages we speak, Lugari is a settlement scheme where many people stay, this thing is cultured also through music," says Akivambo. According to him the diversity in the Kenyan culture provides lots of opportunities that for long have not been tapped. He says that the many tribes in the country have for long been abused by those at the helm of power who spew hate among Kenyans. "If people would learn to appreciate each other through our uniqueness, this thing of tribalism will be slayed, but because we allow our leaders to spew venom polarizing the nation on tribal lines thereby frustrating efforts of uniting us, unity of purpose has become impossible. "I have been able to perform in many shows in various parts of the country because of my diverse language ability, it is something I would like Kenyans, particularly artists and leaders to emulate." He opines that music is one of the best vehicles the country can use in promoting diversity and culture. According to Akivambo, the quest to achieve a common goal in the nation rests with the leaders. "For long there have not been robust programs in the music industry that seek to promote unity, hence some musicians degenerate to the level of composing songs that incite communities which is a serious threat to unity, such should be wiped out, the government should only allow content that is safe to our country." Power of music He suggests that the Ministry of Education ought to review its syllabus, especially on music lessons in order to allow interested learners to gain knowledge of other languages. "My teacher once said that music has no territorial boundaries and has the power to bring about change, music education has not been given the seriousness it deserves because many underrate its influence, it would be better for the state to review this by making Music a compulsory subject in schools since through it we nurture our diversity as a nation." Dr Rose Auma, a Linguist and the Acting Dean in the Faculty of Social Arts and Sciences at Masinde Muliro University finds Akivambo mastery of languages a rare thing, particularly for someone who didn't study languages. However, the scholar argues that the ability to speak various languages is not limited to learning them in class but passion and environment are major contributing factors. "Being able to speak numerous languages comfortably gives one a wider outreach," says Dr Auma. She opines that the mastery of language whether through acquisition or change of environment gives an individual the edge above the rest. "The art has no limitation so long as one is passionate, it's always a learning process, it solely depends on one's level of commitment, there are those who can learn it in a month, others years, the environment plays a key role," said Dr Auma. "It has a lot of merits especially when it comes to opportunities, there are certain job specifications that deal with languages hence those who are not multilingual are disadvantaged," she added.

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