-Kenya
Simon Javan Okelo is a father, media creator, entrepreneur and musician with roots in Kenya. He uses digital media and real-life events to promote and celebrate a fresh narrative about the African and African American experiences both locally and globally. Simon has been bridging the gap working on global initiatives since 1991.
The Kenyan musician based in the US recently unveiled Mombasa, a single follows a few more including single โChandoreโ. Both tracks are set to feature in his forthcoming 5-track EP expected to drop by January 2022. Both tracks are distinctly Nyatiti music and reminiscent of a style popularized by the late Kenyan Nyatiti player Ayub Ogada.
In 1997 he created an orphanage together with his family called the Young Generation Centre during the AIDS epidemic. This work, among many other initiatives that heโs created, led him to become the Field Director for Africa from 2005 – 2010 at Solace International, then Associate Director at MED25 International thereafter.
Simon Okelo is also the founder of One Vibe Africa and Madaraka Festival. The annual Madaraka Festival, which recently marked a decade; is held with proceeds channeled to One Vibe Africaโs Education Music and Art Program (EMAP) to amplify youth supportive programming, leadership and social activism in Kenya and Uganda. His upcoming EP is inspired by these principles and will be out to honor both African and African American culture while elevating different voices and creating community cohesion. Simon states that his sound and Nyatiti style of music is inspired by his African and Luo culture and desire to preserve it. โLet’s protect and preserve our culture no matter where we areโ – he concludes with a message to all his fans.
Since 2014, Madaraka Festival has attracted more than 10,000 patrons and reached over 13 million people digitally while empowering diversity and inclusion in the Seattle community. Madaraka Festival has uniquely deepened the relationship between African, African American communities, and fostered partnerships with other international communities while shifting narrative and honoring cultural dynamics.
