Written By Birte Mensing
As you enter the dark auditorium, you navigate using your phone’s flashlight, while heavenly sounds drift toward you from behind a closed curtain. You wonder – is this a recording, or is it live music? Your question is answered when the curtain opens to reveal two singers whose angelic voices perform the duet “The Prayer.” This melody is familiar, originally performed by the Italian opera superstar Andrea Bocelli and Australian pop star Céline Dion. The Kenyan version features two friends on that Sunday afternoon, harmonizing beautifully: soprano singer Mariah Gichu and tenor Agufa Satsiru.
The concert, titled “Reflections,” mirrors Mariah Gichu’s journey in music — “where I came from, where I am now, and where I look forward to being.” “I just love singing,” says the 27-year-old, her joy infectious. “If I was asked where I want to spend my time, it would be on stage.” The audience delights in hearing her bring stories to life with her voice. Mariah has the unique ability to embody different characters through her singing — and even transport listeners to different centuries. “Myself I shall adore,” composed by George Frederic Handel in 1743, takes the audience back to London, where the piece was first performed at the Royal Ballet and Opera in 1744.
About 100 years later, Victor Hugo published the novel “Les Misérables.” The musical based on the book has captured hearts since the 1980s and was revived through a film in 2012. One standout piece that showcases Mariah’s versatility is “The Girl in 14G,” a 2001 composition that tells the story of a girl’s experiences after moving to New York, complete with noisy neighbors — one a cellist and the other an opera singer.
Mariah Gichu’s Reflections
For “Reflections,” Mariah not only partnered with Agufa Satsiru but also invited friends from her musical journey: pianists George Waihenya and Antony Muriuki, as well as the enchanting Enkare String Quartet. “The sound of strings feels so beautiful and heavenly,” Mariah explains. “It lifts your spirit differently.” Mariah met Agufa Satsiru while studying and performed at various concerts together, but this double concert marked a premiere for them. They incorporated; fun duets to keep the audience engaged, filling the auditorium with over 200 attendees eager to witness the performance. “That was such a surprise!” Mariah exclaims.
In true Kenyan fashion, the concert also reflects the current social and political climate in the country. Their personalized version of “Scandalize My Name” received a standing ovation. Originally recorded by Paul Robeson in the 1950s, this song symbolizes Black emancipation in cultural narratives. “I met my brother the other day; I gave him my right hand. But as soon as my back was turned, he scandalized my name,” goes the original. In their version, Mariah and Agufa replace Robeson’s themes of family with local references: Mariah playfully sings about her sister and the pianists. The lyrics then shift: “I met my politician the other day; I gave him my right vote. But as soon as my back was turned, he scandalized my vote.” When they sing the line, “Now do you call that a politician?” the audience responds, “No, no, no.” The song becomes a poignant reflection of the current political state.
Mariah Gichu is set to graduate with a Master’s degree in Music Performance from the Technical University of Kenya this November. Following her graduation, she plans to pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts. In addition to performing, Mariah is a vocal coach and performs in several choirs, including the Nairobi Music Society and Belcanto Chorus at All Saints Cathedral. It’s rare to find such modesty in a soloist.
Catch Mariah Gichu in Concert
“This concert is a reflection of who I am,” says Mariah Gichu. And there will soon be another opportunity to witness her talent. Additionally, you can catch Mariah Gichu in the Christmas opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors” on December 14th and 15th at Braeburn Gitanga Road, where she will both act and sing the role of the mother.
Mariah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariah_gichu/
Tickets for Amahl: https://kenyabuzz.com/events/event/amahl-and-the-night-visitors-1
Images from Reflections:
+ There are no comments
Add yours