This archive report was first published on 14 July 2021.
Charles Ochieng, a young musician from Nairobi, has a big dream of joining the WCB Wasafi crew. He believes that talent is essential in life and can take you far if you discover and nurture it.
Dizo Cappy, whose real name is Dizo, was born and raised in Nairobi by her single mother. She discovered her talent for music after completing her high school education and decided to pursue it to support her mother.
"My mother was a hardworking woman who struggled to make ends meet. She was a farmer and a vendor, and I wanted to help her by using my talent," Dizo said in an interview.
After discovering her talent, Dizo joined a music group called Rogjamaz in the Mathare slums. However, the group eventually disbanded due to differences in their goals and values. Undeterred, Dizo decided to start her own music group, Waarabu Empire, in the Mradi area.
Waarabu Empire has 37 members, including Dizo, who are passionate about music and determined to succeed. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a lack of funding, the group remains committed to their goals.
"We are a team of 37 members, but only three of us are musicians. The others are involved in other aspects of the group, such as management and marketing. We work together to achieve our goals and support each other," Dizo explained.
Despite the challenges they face, Waarabu Empire has managed to release two albums, "Chapa Madem" and "Mawoo," which have a total of 12 tracks. The group is also working on new music and has a strong online presence on YouTube and Facebook.
Waarabu Empire's music is a reflection of the challenges faced by young people in the slums and the struggles of everyday life. Their songs are a mix of "Gengetone" and "free style" music, which has gained popularity among young people.
According to Dizo, the secret to success is hard work, determination, and faith. "I believe that if you work hard and believe in yourself, you can achieve your goals. I don't look back and I don't give up. I'm focused on my goals and I'm determined to succeed," she said.
