Student siblings release gospel album

             Anne Okwaluma and her younger sister, Patience Aluso perform at an event    PHOTO BY GOVEDI

By REBECCA GICHANA

Anne Okwaluma’s and her younger sister, Patience Aluso’s dream to record a gospel album is now reality. Anne and Patience, aged 16 and 17 respectively, both students of Vinespring Girls High School in Ruai, Nairobi, released their debut album titled Let Go, a week ago. The album produced by Kasarani, Nairobi based Cella Records studios has six songs recorded in English and Kiswahili among them Let go, Yale Mungu Anaweza Tenda, Umeniponya Roho Yangu and What God can do.

“When we started, it seemed like a pipe dream. I still cannot believe we have managed to release our first album,” said Anne happily.

The two youthful gospel artistes, in an interview with Generation Next revealed that their music is genetic because their mother sang a lot of gospel songs, but never had an opportunity to record her great songs. That is not to say that the recording journey was easy sailing. They laud their parents for the support as well as that of Lilian Ngina, a gospel artiste. 

 “Lilian inspired and guided us to the studios, steering our dream to come true,” the clearly appreciative girls said.

Anne, who also doubles up as the chairperson of her 40-strong school choir, explains that juggling between studies and singing has a few challenges.

“It is never easy for us. Everybody in the school knows us and they expect us to perform our best in all we do,” says Anne. “At times you wake up in the morning of a recording or worse a performance only to find that your voice is gone,” adds Patience.

The singing twins hope to do music full time after completing their secondary studies. They promise that the launch of this album is just the beginning of a long journey into gospel entertainment. “This is just the beginning and our fans should brace for better music in future. For now though, we are still balancing our studies with music which can is a tricky affair.”

For this reason, the duo extend their thanks to fellow students who have encouraged and supported them throughout their career. Even as the sisters have a dream to join a music school after high school education to improve their music skills, Patience who loves playing football, wants to become a cateress because she adores cooking.

The duo is also teaming up with another upcoming singer Joan Bii, in their music journey. Bii is working on several songs among them Tunakushujudu that she intends to contribute to the next album they are planning to release later.

They are encouraging other young talented students to pursue their talents while young. The album is available for sale in various shops in Nairobi, and its environs.