The album
‘Mr. Omondi’s No. 1 singers’ is a stunning collection of Christmas songs performed by Kenyan signers under the direction of Choir Master Dorringtone Omondi, and stands as a metaphor for the many talents that exist across every spectrum of life in Kenya and the wider continent of Africa.
A soulful CD capturing the rich and resonant tones of some truly remarkable African voices, this musical collection provides an uplifting take on some of the World’s most loved Christmas songs such as the stunning harmonies in Drummer Boy to the rhythmic Maasai chanting in Silent Night and Christmas Wine.
The inspiration
The inspiration for the project came from Irishman Gary Moore, and is documented in Five Voices: Mr Omondi’s Choir, which follows Gary as he puts together the CD for the Christmas market using the best of local musical talent in Kenya.
Moore first travelled to Africa 20 years ago and since then has spent over 4 years travelling and working there. In 2000 he drove from Cape Town to Ireland and published a book of photographs called Children of Africa to raise funds for Children’s education in Africa.
During his drive through Africa he dreamt of tapping into the immense wealth of local music and musicians as a means of raising more funds for children’s education. Years later, Gary travelled back to Kenya to kick start the initiative. Aware that he needed someone to drive the project on the ground, when he met Mr Omondi, a local choirmaster in Nairobi, he knew he’d found his man. Mr Omondi set to work on training his own choir and the choir in a girl’s prison.
After months of planning, Gary and his team returned to Kenya with twelve weeks to audition for five signature voices from the best singers and musicians Kenya has to offer, and to record them along with the two choirs, in studio, in the capital city of Nairobi.
The Documentary
Directed by award winning documentary maker Kim Bartley and narrated by Mundy, Five Voices - Mr Omondi’s Choir offers a fresh insight into the urban and rural musical life of Kenya.
Mr Omondi and his No. 1 choir in Kenya have produced an excellent collection of songs and music under the auspices of Concern Worldwide. These talented singers are raising funds for the much needed education of children in sub –Saharan Africa. This worthy project has my full support.”
Alexander McCall Smith
A beautiful Christmas gift for a worthy cause – a project involving locals at it’s very heart – with Kenyans helping Kenyans. All net proceeds will benefit children’s educational projects through both Concern and Aid Link in Kenya.
