Mother on a Mission Releases CD

Airborne; Three young supporting dancers get airborne as they dance during the launching of e new Gospel music CD by Liz Kariuki , second left. To the far right is Kamau's daughter, Rose Kamau and her father, Pastor Samuel Kariuki, hidden.

By Harrison Maina , AjabuAfrica News

WORCESTER, Mass. SATURDAY, NOVENBER 28_A Kenyan mother, who has been quietly feeding and supporting more than 50 children out of her own pocket in an orphanage in Kenya, has released a fabulous Gospel music album whose proceeds will go towards improving services for her charitable cause.

Elizabeth Kamau, aka Liz Kamau and Son, released her first ever album titled Ningeyonera Kikuyu for (I will see with my own eyes) last week at the Dream center in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The “son” extension to the title is in recognition to her son, David Kamau for the contribution he made towards the production of the CD.

Seven other local Kenyan Gospel artists including Sarah Mbogo, Jackie Odanga, Florence Kimotho, Lucy Muthumbi and the new sensation around the block, Julius Kamau performed at the spectacular show.

Kic Ministeries, an offshoot of Divine Gospel Ministries in Worcester, also performed some sweet melodies.
 
The launch also saw two foreign artists, Philip Kimani of the Abba fame and Moses Ndichu who had just arrived from Nairobi, Kenya, performing for their fans.
 
More than 200 Kenyans from Worcester and other cities in New England attended the launch billed as one of the most exciting and well attended in the Kenyan community.

Many launches are known for notoriously low attendance for reasons not yet known.

During the well publicized event, fans were treated to an unexpected riveting performance by Kamau and vigorous dance troupe from the liberty church youth choir led by her own 15 year old daughter, Rose Kamau, who displayed relentless energy on the dance floor .
 
Kamau’s husband, Pastor Samuel Kariuki also made his moves on the sidelines of the stage trying hard to match the energy of the youthful dancers.

Elizabeth Kamau and her husband, pastor Samuel Kariuki dance the tunes from other guest performers

The event started with introduction by the mcee, Faith Mburu of Worcester followed by short moving speech by Cecilia Kiigi (Mama Tosh/ Tosh’s mother), a friend of Kamau and a word of prayer by Will Bard, Senior Pastor of Liberty church in Worcester.

Liberty church boasts one of the highest numbers of Kenyan congregants of the churches in Worcester.

Kamau’s husband, Pastor Kariuki, is the leader of the African community at the church.
 
During her introductory speech, Cecilia Kiigi, Kamau’s friend, narrated to guests how, during a recent visit to Kenya, was shocked at seeing the amount of work Kamau and her family were doing to feed orphaned children at a home they built in Ruiru, with their own money.

Faith Mburu, the mcee

“You cannot understand how serious and important that project is until you see it with your own eyes,” said Kiigi. It makes you want to ask yourself, Gosh, what have I been doing with my money,” she added.

Known as the Focus Youth Initiative Kenya (FOCUSYIK) project, the venture houses 54 orphaned children who lost their parents to the dreaded HIV AIDS scourge afflicting Africa ranging from four year old to a 13 year old who is now in highest school. It was established in 2001.

During a short sermon, Pastor Bard thanked people for coming to support Kamau at her album launch and told them that they can rest assured that the money they spent to attend the show will go to a very worthy cause.

The orphanage runs on a $1,000 budget a month. They also pay stipends to 20 caretakers who teach the children on social issues especially how to avoid HIV/AIDS infection. 

It was during one visit to the home that Kamau’s now 12 year old son, David Kamau, suggested that his mother should sing and launch a CD that would be sold to generate money to finance the orphanage.

Having no choice, his mother took up the challenge and formed a Gospel band now called Liz Kamau & Son.

“It is encouraging to see this mother put a lot of effort at a project that will not benefit her but others,” said Pastor Bard.

The sentiments were shared by Kamau’s husband, pastor Kariuki who said all they wanted to do was to support the helpless children in Kenya who have no one else to turn to.

Pastor will Will Bard, Senior Pastor of Liberty church, Worcester

Kamau, herself added that she was so happy to see so many Kenyans turn out to support her and her project. “I am so overwhelmed by your support. Thank you very much,” said the new artist.

As the events main attraction Liz Kamau took the stage with a hands free microphone and signaled the DJ to hit the button, a bunch of well youthful boys and girls from the Liberty youth choir swarmed the stage and surrounded Kamau   as the tunes kicked in.  

Kamau’s 15 year old daughter, who also doubles as a member of Kic ministries surprised many with her energetic dance, leading many to comment that she danced like King David when he lost his clothes for God.

The Performance was well choreographed as the youths twisted, turned and   gyrated every part of their bodies with powerful moves and astounding ease.

“This is an awesome show. She has unbelievable beats that are so danceable,” said one attendant who was amazed by the exciting performance.

Cleary excited, the supportive audience occasionally rose to their feet and danced along as various artists came in and out of the stage at their best, which boosted the CD sales for every artist at the exit door.

John Mukora from Springfield, and Jackie Odanga, pretend to be health care physicians attending a stubborn patient as they staged an drama show during the cd launching

The show ended with a vote of thanks by the co-mcee, David Ngari from Worcester and prayers.

Ngari told guests that during an annual mission retreat he usually takes with pastor Kariuki, where they conduct free heal screening to various poor communities in rural Kenya; they visited the FOCUSYIK and were amazed at the progress they are making.

As the darkness set in and doors closed, many Kenyans hanged around the hallway for a long time apparently reliving the moments that had just passed, where Liz’s songs clearly hit a good chord with the fans.

To get a copy of the CD and support the cause, please call.

508- 723- 6917
508-723-6916

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