Inspiring Young Audiences Through the Power of Music
Having worked as a producer of School Concerts for over a decade in Norway, Rhoda understood the power of quality music being presented to young audiences in their school environments.
She remembers "My musical journey started at seven when a teacher recognized my talent and put me on stage to sing for a Christmas carol service. That moment changed everything—music comes from the heart, and investing in music education transforms lives. Whether through sponsored programs or school initiatives, every child deserves the chance to discover their voice."
In 2016, in collaboration with the Kenya Conservatoire of Music, and with the help of Norwegian friends of Baraka (NFOB), Baraka Opera Kenya spearheaded the first school concert tour in Kenya, within the precincts of the capital city of Nairobi. Reaching young people from the formative early years up to high school levels, BOK now regularly sends out professional artists to perform concerts in schools with the goal of encouraging appreciative audiences in the next generation, aligning with Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), fostering creativity, confidence, and lifelong skills through music.
The Rain Show - From Kenya To The World
20th-24th April 2026
Cornwall & Tyneside
Music: Shaka Lwaki
Words: Nami Shah
What does rain mean to you? New growth? Familiar bird calls? Or a spoiled camping trip?
Tête à Tête is delighted to be working with Baraka Opera Kenya and Across Arts to bring The Rain Show to schools across Cornwall and Tyneside. A team of four fantastic Kenyan artists will combine workshops and interactive performances to bring folklore and history to life. Telling stories about rain and our climate with children across the UK, we hope it will lead to connections between communities in Kenya and the UK that will last for generations.
Where Is It Going?
Tyneside:
20th April: Burradon Primary School
20th April: Fordley Primary School
21st April: Percy Main Primary School
21st April: St Cuthberts Primary School
21st April: Richardson Dees Primary School
Cornwall:
23rd April: St. Dennis Primary
23rd April: Churchtown Academy
24th April: Carclaze Community Primary School
24th April: Bishop Bronsecombe Church of England Primary School
How Can I Help?
For Kenyan donors
Paybill - 625625
Account No. 7700112614
For international donors
You can donate to the project here, and help us spread the word.
Cast
Librettist: Nami Shah
Composer: Shaka Lwaki
Performer/ Workshop leader: Mariah Gichu
Performer/ Workshop leader: Nami Shah
Performer/ Workshop leader: Patrick Alovi
Performer/ Workshop leader: Yovan Barkisoy
Composer mentorship: Tim Burke
Creative Producer/Producer: Helene Mathiesen for Across Arts CIC
Produced by: Baraka Opera Kenya, Across Arts, and Tête à Tête
In collaboration with North Tyneside Music Education Hub and ASONE Hub, Cornwall.
Starting in Nairobi and adjacent counties, BOK’s School Concerts breaks new ground by taking live performances into schools, connecting professional artists to young audiences. Our focus is to expand the program across all of Kenya.
Our mission? To spark curiosity, creativity, and a lasting appreciation for the arts in Kenya’s youth, planting the seeds for a vibrant cultural future. Join us in exposing young minds to music, educating them with excellence, and inspiring the future voices of Kenya. Together, we can make music a cornerstone of every child’s education.
A Concert by Candlelight - Fundraiser Concert in aid of School Concerts