Montano ‘totes’ water in Kenya

HE WORLD has come to know Machel Montano for his electrifying soca performances.

He is best known as one of the leading figures in the local music industry. While he spreads the joy of his talent, Montano recently took some time to spread the joy of generosity.

He recently visited the Eastern African country of Kenya on a four-day visit as part of the “Me to We” project.

Montano along with photographer manifesto founder and artist manager, Che Kothari; Becca Dudley, MTV UK personality, model and DJ; Kardinal Official, Canadian hip-hop star and member of the Caribbean music group of Suit of Black; Superwoman, YouTube personality; Winnie Harlow, Canadian supermodel, and American actress singer and songwriter Bridgit Mendler made the trip as part of the project.

Me To We, according to its website, is, “an innovative social enterprise that provides products that make an impact, empowering people to change the world with their everyday consumer choices. Me to We measures the bottom line by the people empowered and the lives transformed.” The group began the programme on August 21 when its members enjoyed a scenic walk to Bogani, and learnt some Swahili.

Montano was also part of a guided tour of one of the first schools that partnered with We-Enelerai Primary School. Montano also took time, on the first day, to listen to the distinctive Maasai warriors about their community, culture, practices, taboos and lion slaying stories.

He also helped to build a wall at the Kisrauni Girls Secondary School. During the visit of the soca star took some time to fetch water as part of the group’s Community Water Walk. The team learnt how one of Kenya’s ethnic group– the Kipsigis organised their homes and of their way of life. The participants visited the home of a “Mama” as she shared with them about We’s approach and strategies for alternative income and family healthcare in Kenya.

On August 24 after the medicine walk and Maasai warrior training – in which Montano learnt the art of Maasai weaponry, Montano did a surprise performance with the Kenyan Boys Choir. During the medicine walk, Montano and others learnt about medicinal herbs of how to cure anything from malaria to the common cold as well as plants used for deodorant and a toothbrush.

The group rounded up their trip with a visit to the Me to We Artisans Atelier. The team enjoyed tea while browsing through the latest collection of art, handmade by Roxanne Joyal-founder of Me To We Artisans. The group also saw the advanced beading mamas –women who have been directly impacted by the Alternative Income Pillar (which focuses on the empowerment and education of women and the community).

As the visit ended on August 25, Montano left to begin his show with famed neo-soul artiste, Lauryn Hill. Montano performed with Hill on August 27 at the Mann in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.