By John Njoroge
When the class six pupil at Kagaki Primary School in Nakuru County thought of trying to play music, he did not know that it would end up as a talent for him.
Joseph Telewa, 11, revealed that music was not his passion until he gave it a trial.
“I have come to learn that I am talented in music especially when blowing the flute in my school”, said Telewa at his school recently. The boy said he started blowing the flute when he was nine years old. His mother, Prof. Vicky Khasandi said the boy started loving music as a hobby before she bought a Keyboard for him after realising that he was interested in music at his local church.
“I managed to buy musical instruments for him like a keyboard and a flute and he practices playing them during the holiday”, said Ms Khasandi.
She said the family prays for the young Telewa for his competency and encourages him as he praises and entertains the congregation in their church.
Prof. Khasandi added: “The music teacher provides lessons for the class six pupils despite paying expensively.”
Telewa who blows the flute in every occasion the school performs, revealed that his plans in future is to become a musician.
He said his role model and favourite pianist or organ player is Cory Henry of Brooklyn, New York who plays the instrument in their sister church in New York, USA.
Notably, the boy lauds his dad who he appreciates a lot for his support.
He said through the assistance of her music teacher Madam Sylvia Mburi and his parents; his talent and passion are being nurtured. The boy lauded her teacher for teaching him every day after school, on weekends and during the holidays.
“Her role and duty of being part and parcel in my career has motivated and encouraged me a lot”, he explained.
Ms Mburi urged her fellow teachers from her school and others to make sure children with passion of doing something, are nurtured and enlightened in order to succeed in life.
“Let’s embrace those kids who are talented by ensuring that their goals are achieved,” observed Madam Sylvia.
She said the school has opted to book a chance at the Kenya National Festivals where many talented pupils are taught skills.
Ms Mburi said music learners from class four to seven sitthe Associated Board of Royal School of Music (ABRSM) exams which are sub-divided into two parts – Theory and practical with grades from One to Eight.
“Practicals are done in May and July while theory category is on March and October, ” explained Ms Mburi.
Exams are registered with the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).
