It is often said that education has the potential to transform lives and open the doors to success, while music is proclaimed to be a universal language that transcends all.
Raheel Neel Shah, a student at the International School of Kenya who plays in the percussion section of the Safaricom Youth Orchestra (SYO) has an idea whose fulfilment has the potential to impact lives and give substance to these often-used cliches.
With his teacher, veteran drummer Andrew Ngatia, who played with Kenya’s biggest boy band Sauti Sol for a decade, Raheel organized a concert dubbed the Garden Jam Festival.
The concert, held on Saturday, April 1, at the Oshwal Centre in Parklands, was attended by nearly 100 people with over 20 performers.
While the primary aim of the concert was to bring together Ngatia’s former students for a jam session to showcase their talent, the gig also beat the drums of charity raising KSh50, 000.
“The proceeds from the concert will be going to a charity called the ‘Smallest library in Africa’ which is a non-profit organisation that helps kids get books and teaching materials,” says Raheel.
The ‘Smallest library in Africa’ was started in 2014 in Mugure slums in Baba Dogo, Nairobi, by Cryil Peter Otieno, an alumnus of Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI). It began as an open-air makeshift library that sought to offer primary school pupils a place to read, do their homework, access books, and also impart life skills.
Since 2017, the library is now located in a rented space still in Baba Ndogo, and, it is open 6 days a week offering a refuge for children away from the vagaries of the slum.
Forward-thinking Raheel also seeks to give the members of the ‘Smallest library in Africa’ a fighting chance in a increasingly digital world. “We want to try and help in the digitalisation process. Giving them computers and all things digital because that’s where the world is going now,” he asserts.
Being part of the SYO has broadened Raheel’s mind. In addition to fostering an attitude of gratitude and focus.
“SYO has inspired me to do this kind of project. Because many kids who participate in the Safaricom Youth Orchestra come from less fortunate backgrounds, it’s really made me realize how grateful I should be and how much I have,” he says.
Raheel’s vision is celebrated by his parents, with his doting mum effusive in her praise,” Of course, as parents, we are extremely proud of Raheel for thinking along these lines of charity and what better way than to use his musical talents and his acting talents to bring this concert together. Also, being part of the Safaricom Youth Orchestra has taught him a great deal, especially that music has no boundaries and that music brings everyone together no matter what your background is.”
The 13-year-old has been playing music since he was 3. He started off with the piano, but he could not find the right key. The sound of drumming caught his ear, and it was love at first hearing. “I really enjoyed the sound. So, I told my mom I would like to try the instrument. And ever since then, I fell in love with it. And that’s how I chose my instrument.” says Raheel.
Musically, Raheel, has a dream of creating his own band. When he is not seeking to change the world, the philanthropic teenager loves nature and photography. He also has a great interest in acting and being onstage. Additionally, he has a thing for speed and enjoys motorsports and go-karting.
At SYO, Raheel performs alongside his older brother Rohan who plays the tuba.
