After a long struggle, Turkana girl releases a hit gospel album

By FAITH RONOH

Turkana County has over the years been known for its endless tales of bloody cattle rustling between the Turkanas and Pokots. The recent incident where armed militia believed to be from the Pokot community held three police camps in Lorogon hostage is an example of what Turkana residents undergo.

But for Madona Erupe, a girl who hails from Nawoitorong village in Turkana, the numerous setbacks have not stopped her from emerging top in her modelling and music career.

For her, modelling alone is not enough and so she decided to venture into the much-coveted gospel music industry.

“The fact that I emerged successful as a model in the first place gave me the confidence to do music. I have always been passionate about singing but remember being a Turkana girl is not easy. Many people believe that we are not capable and that we cannot outshine other girls around the country or even the world,” she says.

Two weeks ago, Madona released her first album titled, Ebongunit Yesu (Jesus is coming back). The album has five songs: Iyong Bon Apa (It is only you Father), Akuj Kang (My God), Esubi Naumokina (God is doing Miracles), Ebongunit Yesu (Jesus is coming back) and Akuj Nakasuban (God the creator).

Her passion for music, she says, dates back when she was admitted to Kang’etich Girls’ High School in 2007 where she participated in the school choir. Her family members, Madona explains, are strong Christians who have always encouraged her to write and produce gospel hits.

“When I was in Form Two, I joined a group of five girls and together we began writing and singing gospel songs. It was at this point that I perfected my art of singing. However, I did not utilise my talent immediately until recently when my father, Jackson Nakusa, advised me that it was time for me to inspire the society,” she adds.  Madona counts Emmie Kosgeyi as one of her role models in the music industry. All the songs, she says, are written and sung in Turkana language.

The message in her songs targets youths and the old, urging them to repent and prepare for the second coming of Jesus. As clearly described in her album, Ebongunit Yesu (Jesus is coming back), Madona urges Kenyans to repent and live in harmony in preparation for the second coming of Jesus Christ. She describes her style of music as rich African with Zulu instrumentals and inspiring messages out to minister to people. She owes her success to her parents, Jackson Nakusa, Polyne Nakusa and Aunt Beatrice Askul as well as other well-wishers who stepped up to assist her.

Parents, my inspiration

“They have been my inspiration. They always advise me on what to do while offering me monetary and emotional support,” she adds. Madona, unlike many Turkana girls, was admitted to Mt Kenya University, Lodwar Campus in 2011 where she was later crowned the Miss MKU. Since then, Madona has been participating in community projects, initiating programmes in her village to encourage her community to accommodate other cultural practices.

Currently she has been partnering with Samwel Kablit in an initiative dubbed ‘Mtoto msichana asome kwa furaha’ (the girl child should happily receive education) which aims at distributing sanitary towels to young girls within the region. In addition, Madona has started motivational programmes in Turkana to sensitise and empower girls and the community. “There is still need to empower girls in Turkana because most of them still go out to look after animals or they are just married off at a tender age. For this reason I have been involved in championing mentorship programmes for girls,” the 23-year-old singer asserts.

 Even so, she urges the county government of Turkana to nurture and support upcoming talents in the region.  “I believe if the county government agrees to partner with upcoming artistes, we will spur development of the entire Turkana County . In fact, we will re-brand ourselves and let the world know that we are not just famous for attacks but also hard work,” she remarks.