Bright Futures for S’Cool Sounds in Kenya
For the past three weeks, the Futures Music Program has once again engaged 50 motivated high school students from the Kibera neighborhood of Nairobi in community through music.
During April's month-long school break, participants had the opportunity to take classes in a dozen musical areas, including: traditional Kenyan instruments such as orutu, marimba, njembe, litungu, as well as singing, music literacy, keyboard, saxophone, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, and drum set.
Led by S'Cool Sounds Kenya Music Director Jacob Saya, the program involved over three hours of music instruction and practice per day. All instruments are provided free of charge, ensuring everyone can get involved. In addition to high-quality music education, the program also provides a positive source of community engagement for students during their time off from school.
With his characteristic enthusiasm, Jacob recently remarked: “2025 has opened its arms to us with musical moments! Our Futures Music Program kickstarted on a high and ended with electrifying performances.” Check out the Video of the Week below to hear it for yourself!
Building on the strength of our programs in Kibera, we are currently working with our Kenya Advisory Board to bring our programs to other parts of Kenya, expanding our reach beyond Nairobi.
Following the success of last summer's visit, S'Cool Sounds Artistic Director Nina Stern and board member Nancy Jo Snider will be returning to Kenya this summer to support the program expansion. This will include piloting new programs in schools on the Kenya coast - stay tuned!
Your contribution today will help fund new instruments, new performance attire, and new programming to reach even more students in Kenya and beyond.
VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Check out this energetic performance from the Futures Music Program April 2025 cohort!
