Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Ulawe Apate Groove đâ¨
In a tradition where the Nyatiti has long been played only by men, 15-year-old Christine Akoth is writing her own story.
As part of Ulawe Apate Groove, Christine Akoth blew us away with her unique skill, creativity, and courage.
đś Her original song, âNyako Magoyo Nyatitiâ (âI Am Magoyo, the Nyatiti Playerâ), tells her own journey of learning the Nyatiti⌠while also mastering English, Swahili, and French at school.
Other songs they played included:
đšâNyako Magoyo Nyatitiâ
đšâAwendo Kaeâ â A tribute to her teacher, Jarrad
đšâJarred Jaugenyaâ â Praising her dedicated mentor
đšâOdindo Ojwayaâ â A playful yet poetic piece about how âmany things are sweet when they are nakedâ⌠like maize, bananas, and groundnuts!
This one was Winyoâs favorite thanks to its fun, intricate rhythm and description that the teacher gave us!
For Christine, her inspiration came from a Japanese woman named Anyango, who spent a year in Siaya County learning the Nyatiti. Before this, Christine had not seen many other female Nyatiti players. It was this cross-cultural spark that ignited her passion. She asked her mother to contact Anyango so she could continue learning.
Now, she fuses this inspiration with lessons from her teacher, Jarrad, to create her own rhythms and lyrics. By the age of 15, she already had a clear vision of how she wanted her songs to sound. It was wonderful to witness.
The whole team saw immense potential in Christine. Her rhythms are fresh and fearless. Sheâs not just preserving tradition, sheâs expanding it.
When we asked her about the biggest challenge, she shared that the barriers for girls playing the Nyatiti are very limiting. However, she also expressed how fortunate she feels to have another girl friend who plays an instrument, allowing them to support one another and keep going.
Recorded in: Kenya, Siaya County
Date: December, 2025
Ulawe Apate Groove đâ¨
In a tradition where the Nyatiti has long been played only by men, 15-year-old Christine Akoth is writing her own story.
As part of Ulawe Apate Groove, Christine Akoth blew us away with her unique skill, creativity, and courage.
đś Her original song, âNyako Magoyo Nyatitiâ (âI Am Magoyo, the Nyatiti Playerâ), tells her own journey of learning the Nyatiti⌠while also mastering English, Swahili, and French at school.
Other songs they played included:
đšâNyako Magoyo Nyatitiâ
đšâAwendo Kaeâ â A tribute to her teacher, Jarrad
đšâJarred Jaugenyaâ â Praising her dedicated mentor
đšâOdindo Ojwayaâ â A playful yet poetic piece about how âmany things are sweet when they are nakedâ⌠like maize, bananas, and groundnuts!
This one was Winyoâs favorite thanks to its fun, intricate rhythm and description that the teacher gave us!
For Christine, her inspiration came from a Japanese woman named Anyango, who spent a year in Siaya County learning the Nyatiti. Before this, Christine had not seen many other female Nyatiti players. It was this cross-cultural spark that ignited her passion. She asked her mother to contact Anyango so she could continue learning.
Now, she fuses this inspiration with lessons from her teacher, Jarrad, to create her own rhythms and lyrics. By the age of 15, she already had a clear vision of how she wanted her songs to sound. It was wonderful to witness.
The whole team saw immense potential in Christine. Her rhythms are fresh and fearless. Sheâs not just preserving tradition, sheâs expanding it.
When we asked her about the biggest challenge, she shared that the barriers for girls playing the Nyatiti are very limiting. However, she also expressed how fortunate she feels to have another girl friend who plays an instrument, allowing them to support one another and keep going.
Recorded in: Kenya, Siaya County
Date: December, 2025
