Mary Atieno: I am comfortable with myself

Pioneer gospel singer Mary Atieno has proved that disability is not inability. The singer who is a wife, mother and pastor is credited for being among the few artistes who have redefined Kenya’ gospel music scene. She spoke to CAROLINE NYANGA

I grew up in Kirengo Village, Karungu in Nyanza Province. Life was not easy and we had to strive hard to survive.

I come from a polygamous family and was the first born in a family of nine. My father Francis Yara, who was a headmaster in various schools within Nyanza Province, had two wives—my mother Polina Ajwang’, who was a housewife and my stepmother Rachael Akello who was also a teacher.

Ominde family. Photos: Maxwell Agwanda/Standard

However, we plan on initiating our own studio soon. Unlike fellow gospel artistes known to work with secular artistes, I hardly do so considering the nature of my songs, which many may find difficult to adjust to.

My music has seen me tour the world. Some of the countries I have visited include Uganda, Tanzania, Congo, Britain and the United States.

Some of my albums include Sodom na Gomora, Jerusalem Mpya, Nirudieni, Hakuna Mungu kama wewe, Osiogope, Yesu ni Jawabu, Nimeokoka, Nani kama Yesu and Usife Moyo among others.

Hope to prosper

Nevertheless, I always remind them the importance of accepting Christ as their personal saviour if they hope to prosper.

I began my teaching career in 1998 at Buruburu Girls’ Secondary School. As an English and Literature teacher, I taught Form Three and Four students. I recall being too conscious and having fear in me during my first day in school.

Also, the fact that I had to be assisted made me feel like a burden to colleagues. On the other hand, I wasn’t too sure how the students would react upon being taught by a blind person.

Surprisingly, everything worked out well, the students and teachers were very supportive. The only challenge was that I had to prove that I was good at my work.

I hate sympathy and this made me into a stronger person with a mission to encourage the blind by letting them know that they are no lesser human beings. My principle has always been to live life to the fullest.