A Family That Plays Together – The Siblings Of Safaricom Youth Orchestra

The impact that Ghetto Classics and Safaricom Youth Orchestra have had on young talent over the years is not in doubt. We have many touching stories of the two programs. Stories of nurturing disadvantaged kids not only in music but in life too. We have documented incredible journeys of children in informal areas who have had their hopes lifted to highs they never imagined, and how they took the opportunity in their hands and ran with it.

SYO is a youth orchestra that has not only come so far since inception in 2014, but also taken a life of its own and played a key role as a transformative agent to the young boys and girls who have had the opportunity to be members. The orchestra brings together children between the ages of 10 and 17 drawn from different schools and backgrounds.

One family that has had this blessing three-fold is that of siblings MaryAnne Nduku, Cynthia Mbatha, and Alex Mtulu. Cynthia was among the graduates of Safaricom Youth Orchestra class of 2022 which was held last Sunday at Jain Bhavan auditorium in Loresho. The graduation ceremony was graced by family, friends, and in what is shaping up to be a beautiful partnership, the Safaricom Choir who were entertaining attendees alongside the orchestra. Over the Christmas holidays, we saw what the two groups can do together as they combined to produce beautiful carols.

The trio joined Ghetto Classics at around the same time, then the twin girls joined Safaricom Youth Orchestra in 2018. The following year, their younger brother Alex Mtulu followed suit. After trying their hand at different instruments, MaryAnne settled on the cello, Cynthia the trombone, and Alex percussion.

We had a chat with 18-year-old MaryAnne not only about her journey, but that of her sister and brother too. The three all attended Our Lady of Fatima secondary school where she and her sister have recently completed fourth form, while their little brother is in Form 3. They decided to be part of Ghetto Classics not only to pass time constructively, but also to take advantage of the community organization’s school fees program. This has worked brilliantly as all three of them have sailed through school, with the burden of fees being lifted off of their mum.

When they started going to Ghetto Classics, their mum was hesitant and this is perfectly understandable. Having all three kids away from home to somewhere not fully understood is something any parent would be concerned about. After a bit of push and pull, she realized that her children were determined to play music and she paid a visit to Ghetto Classics. She was sold to the idea immediately and became their biggest supporter supporter hence.

Although Cynthia and Alex dream of other careers, MaryAnne has no doubt that she wants a career in music. The soft-spoken girl appreciates music because it helps her express herself. Before joining the family that is Ghetto Classics, she was cocooned to a point of raising concerns among her parents and siblings. Music opened a whole new world and gave her a career choice while at it. As much as she’s still a girl of few words, she has become more social especially among her peers at the orchestra.

The family is ever so grateful to Safaricom for the opportunity they never knew they needed. Like many of her fellow students from the two music initiatives, she would like to raise her expertise then go back to Ghetto Classics and teach. Her ultimate dream is to have a complete overhaul of the informal sector so that everyone lives a decent life.

To other kids who would like to play music whether as a career or pastime, MaryAnne says go for it. You never know how much power you have within you until you try out things outside of your comfort zone. You never know where your big break in life is waiting for you.