Wycliffe Weyusia opens up on his traditional music journey as a way of preserving our culture.
Wycliffe Weyusia opens up on his traditional music journey.
Wycliffe Wayusia or better known as Indugu which is luhyaswahili for brother is a budding young artist who is so passionate about the African heritage told in his music.
The budding artist spoke to www.goodmorningkenya.com on his journey spanning over 15 years.
Who is Wycliffe Weyusia?
‘’I was born some thirty-something years ago in Lugusi village of East Kabras in the current day Malava sub-county of Kakamega county. My dad was a petrol attendant at TOTAL KENYA while my mother was a housewife.I am the third born in a family of 8. I schooled at Lugosi primary where I sat my kcpe before proceeding to Lugusi secondary school where I sat my Kcse.’’ Stated Weyusia.
Early music days…
‘’ I loved music from an early age but my parents would not hear any of this. I could hym, dance, and get mad whenever Litungu played. My late grandfather to Mzee Philip Makabila (May his soul rest in eternal peace) a great litungu player-inspired me and actually planted the seeds for me to play music at an early age. As early as grade 2, I was already an accomplished litungu player which amazed many at school. My teacher at Lugusi Primary school Mr. Daniel KoiKoi noticed my talent and encouraged me to keep on keeping on. I actually owe it to him that I am what I am today. I joined the drama clubs and music clubs which helped me nurture my talents. While in Class seven at Lugusi primary school, I used to travel all the way to Baraton University Eldoret to teach university students how to play litungu and other traditional instruments’’ Narrated Mr. Weyusia.
I never stopped doing what I loved ie Music….
While at Lugosi high school, I never stopped doing what I loved. I thank my music/drama teacher Mr. Jockly Mwahati and Principle MR Juma Mayabi who was constantly encouraging me never to look back. their efforts so our school participate and win several awards during music and drama festivals for all the four years I was at the school. In fact, my class of 2005 was the last to ever grace the annual drama and music festival at Kicc.’ Adds Mr. Weyusia.
I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.
Weyusia says.
On preserving our heritage through music, Weyusia is disturbed that unless something is urgently done to preserve our rich cultural heritage in as far as music is concerned, then our future generation will have no focal point of reference.
ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR…
Mr Weyusia boosts of having steered several schools to the national level in music and drama festival.
My music journey has seen me train several institutions in the city. I wish to specifically thank Sunshine school for giving me the very first opportunity to train them. for the years 2009,2010,2011,2012 and 2013, we managed to reach the national stage with our African drum. Most recently, with ARYA girls we also made it to the nationals where we are still defending. It is so sad that Covid 19 put a halt to our run.
kactas Africa kenya…..
By the grace I joined the cactus band which was formed by Mr. Bernard Ndegwa. with kactas Africa Kenya, we have managed to tour several parts of Europe with our traditional beat which is so far liked by several world citizens.
Malava international..
”With my own band now, Malava international, we have also managed to help nurture, train upcoming talented young boys and girls as we keep on ensuring that the populace is well entertained. Covid 19 has put a lot of pressure on several of our projects which has forced us to halt our music tours.”
we are at the verge of losing our rich heritage. all efforts must be done to help preserve our culture. Music plays an integral part in this.
as an artist I have always advocated for this by creating avenues to spread the message.
we have been having our weekly shows at the Nakumat Junction, two rivers besides hosting family entertainment. We also ensure we are available during events like weddings, family gatherings like traditional marriage ceremonies, and on the invite, we come to your home just to entertain and if necessary train those who are willing to learn how to play the assorted African musical instruments.
Wycliffe has also managed to entertain several people using the one stringed intrument called esiriri.https://youtu.be/Q5VVu5ElLXY?list=TLPQMTYwMzIwMjE0A1S4R7FLTA
Word of advice to the upcoming artists.
To the upcoming artists, Wycliffe advices that hard work, discipline and dedication will be of great value. A bove all, he adds the swahili saying which says….Mwacha mila ni mtumwa…. let us preserve our culture and enjoy our heritage.
