Journey across Kenya’s magical landscapes in search of rain 🌧️
An interactive children’s opera with an original score by @_markomusic , bringing climate change to life through music, storytelling, and play.
📍 Performances:
Burradon Primary School
Fordley Primary School
Invitation from the NMS Community
By @baraka_opera_kenya@namioperasinger@_markomusic
Journey across Kenya’s magical landscapes in search of rain - meeting characters from folklore, hearing birdsong, and discovering stories rooted in nature. With an original score by Shaka Marko, this children’s opera promises to delight everyone young at heart!
A project very close to my heart- The Rain Show 🌧️
I’m so excited to be producing this UK-Kenya children’s opera - the first project from my new community interest company, Across Arts.
Produced with @teteateteopera and @baraka_opera_kenya we’re bringing four incredible Kenyan artists to the UK to tour 9 schools, sharing music, stories, and culture, while creating meaningful, lasting connections between children in Kenya and the UK.
This is a brand new opera, with words by @namioperasinger and music by @_markomusic
Huge thanks to @aceagrams for supporting this project, and to @robbiethouless for this beautiful video introducing children to Kenya and its rich cultural landscape.
Can’t wait to share more as the journey continues
Long Post Alert!!!
Wanted to share some exciting news. A children's opera production that I've written the libretto for has received Arts Council funding to come to the UK in the next few weeks!!! (Massive thanks to Helene Mathiesen for pushing this show to the next step and making it international)!
It is based on the 'Rainmakers of Kenya' - The Nganyi tribe. Also has stories from Nandi and Luo traditions. As well as a migration story from the Gujarati community. It's all about how rain or, lack of it, encourages people to listen to nature. Rather ironic considering how much rainfall there has been in Kenya recently....
Kenyan performance coming soon on April 16th!! Followed by multiple dates in Tyneside and Cornwall.
Music composed by @_markomusic with inspiration by Kenyan birdsong and folk music.
Produced by @helenemathiesenproducer@teteateteopera@baraka_opera_kenya@rhodawilhelmsen
Thanks to @billbj and @teteateteopera for helping to bring the show to the UK!
Thanks to @baraka_opera_kenya
and @rhodawilhelmsen and the performers for the last 3 years of awesome support and inspiration for the initial Rain Show! And Peter Kiarie for logistics!
Education video amazingly done by @robbiethouless
Performers and Workshop leaders - cannot wait to get back on stage with you!
@mariah_gichu@yovan_music@namioperasinger
A fundraising concert for worthy causes!
Music has the power to transcend borders, uplift communities, and rewrite narratives.
Two pioneering organizations—OperAffinity and Baraka Opera Kenya (BOK)—are joining forces for Stories in Song: Three Sopranos Explore the Power of Storytelling Through Music. The performance celebrates the unifying force of opera while advancing their shared mission: to nurture talent, inspire young audiences, and create life-changing opportunities for Kenyan artists.
Sopranos Breanna Stillman, Mariah Gichu, and Nami Shah, accompanied by pianist Laetitia Ruccolo will bring to life stories from around the world through the expressive power of voice and piano.
Both OperAffinity and BOK believe that opera is more than just an art form—it’s a vehicle for social change, education, and cultural exchange.
OperAffinity brings global expertise, connecting Kenyan talent to international stages through masterclasses, festivals, and performance opportunities. Their work has already seen young Kenyan singers perform at the Vatican and prepare for auditions in Europe.
Baraka Opera Kenya is a trailblazer in East Africa, using opera to tell African stories while fostering the next generation of artists through school concerts, the Junior Boys Choir (JBC), and professional training.
Together, they amplify their impact—bridging Kenya’s rich musical heritage with the global opera scene.
#barakaoperakenya #opera #operaffinity #soprano #nairobiconcert
Always having fun singing with @mariah_gichu ! Grateful we are on this journey together. 🥰
The fun was so infectious that pianist
@ongidibennaars also began sing! 😅
#sopranoduet #concert #threesopranos #barakaoperakenya #mozart
Had a wonderful evening with the Mbira (thumb piano). Workshopping new sounds for the next version of The Rain Show featuring original music and a brand new libretto.
Welcome on-board to our composer @_markomusic .
So lovely to sing with @city_wind_orchestra who are sounding fab under the baton of @jimpywell !
Wonderful to have my A level music teacher @sallyannclark1976 on double bass too! (Video credit to her).
@prashantfernandes - lovely to see you and hear you too after so many years! #summerconcert
After a full week of magical Rain Show performances in Nakuru, we’re bringing the fun to Nairobi! 🌧✨
One more show to go; don’t miss out!
Bring your children for a fun-filled, educational, and entertaining experience they won’t forget.
🎭 We meet tomorrow the 1st of June at 3PM
📍 @baraka_opera_kenya , Lavington Mall, Fourth Floor
Let the rain of creativity pour! ☔🎉 #RainShow #NairobiShow #KidsTheatre #FamilyFun #BarakaOperaKenya
