Wayfarer By Faith: Music

Sometimes playing music in tough places is an indescribable gift of God-given solace amidst a deeply wounded world. It is order in chaos. It is wordless poetry; flowing sounds infused with the meaning of the moment. When I improvise my thoughts and feelings in a melody, I release a message through creativity. This is why I am human. I create and recreate with the sounds God has given me. When an artist paints, his freedom lies in having the existent colours to create with. Without the colours, he cannot paint. But without the artist, there is no artistry - it becomes devoid of a message. Whatever you do with your life, your gifts - what is the meaning, the story, the gratitude, that you convey?

Since I was fifteen, it had always been my desire to bring music to people in tough places who need such a solace - especially to children or young people who need to be ignited with a creative spark, because all their lives they have been told that they and their ideas do not matter. I believe that music speaks when there are no words to speak; it relieves the spirit when medicine cannot bring physical cure; it touches the part of a person that cannot be touched with human hands. I know many people would say that music is not as important as food or shelter or medicine. Of course, it does not appear to have immediate importance because it might not bring quick results. But what happens after a person is fed, clothed, and treated? What alleviates and restores a broken society - what empowers, inspires and energizes beyond mere physical sustenance? It is art, creativity, expression, beauty, innovation, and all these things that reside specially in human beings.

Both here, and when I am out there traveling, teaching, sharing music, or doing missions and volunteer work, I am filled with the conviction that God has given us such inclinations because they remind us of who we are and what we were made for. It's powerful. I cannot for the life of me believe the nonsense that there is no meaning to our lives, that there is no moral compass, that there is no absolute truth, no divine love, no divine grace, no God who willingly walked among men and died for our sins that we might live and be restored to Him, to our purpose, and to each other. I know that He's real because Jesus has been real to me. This is my story, it is the very life I live.

And what makes it amazing is that I can cross oceans and mountains and endless skies, only to meet other perfect strangers - both young and old alike - who witness to this same Jesus that they have encountered and who they say, with authentic enthusiasm, has transformed their lives and way of thinking and living. Scroll through my entries on this website, read the stories of the local heroes I've met, hear about the amazing 'coincidences' that I've experienced thus far in my journey. You'll be baffled, even awe-inspired, by these amazing souls.

I acquired this poignant photo through an Afghan friend, Khudadad Hamraz.

DJ Romeofoxy in his Usandibate music video! Photograph: Romeo Mudimu.

Romeo Mudimu, or DJ Romeofoxy – as he’s known by fans and listeners alike – has the mind of an entrepreneur and a creative spirit that’s charting new territory in the Zimbabwean music industry. Born in Tshotsholo, a small community in the Matebeleland region of Zimbabwe, he later spent his childhood in Bulawayo – the second largest city in Zimbabwe. As a high-schooler, Romeo settled in Kwekwe – a town in the Midlance province. Now based in Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, he continues to inspire confidence in other young Africans with his positive funky vibes through his radio and television program. Romeo plans to travel the world, collaborate with like-minded artists, and share his afro-beats through new platforms!

It’s been a few months since we first met in December while I was in Harare. I remember having some awesome conversations with Romeo that were both funny and meaningful. Being a musician myself, I understand the challenges that one has to overcome in the artistic sphere. I absolutely loved Romeo’s zest for life and his desire to influence and be a part of developing the emerging music industry in Zim. I remember listening with intrigue as he told me about the kind of music he fuses with his DJ-ing skills – what he calls “Afro-house”. Before going to Zim, I’d never heard of that combination in my life! I’m sure it exists in the world, but just probably not in Australia! (Laughs.) It’s basically an eclectic fusion of Afro-beats and House music. His brother – Kenneth Mudimu – played me some tunes from the genre, and I was pretty fascinated by its atmospheric nature and the crazy rhythms running through! If you never heard of this quirky sub-genre, be sure to check it out. In the meantime, let’s hear from DJ Romeofoxy…

Janielle | When did you discover the art of DJ-ing and what’s the coolest gig you’ve ever done?

Romeo | I have always loved music and spent a lot of time listening to cassettes when I was younger and sharing the music with my friends. Though DJ-ing was not something that I ever thought of for a long time, in 2003, I thought I’d share the music that I loved with people on a much bigger platform – so naturally, I thought of becoming a DJ. I put together what I call ‘Afro-house’, which has strong elements of African instruments, with emphasis on drums, wind instruments, mbira (a thumb-piano originating in Zimbabwe), and all these cultural samples which date back centuries ago – but I bring them back to life to suit the contemporary club context.

That's an mbira! It makes the coolest-sounding tones, I loved playing it!

Romeo | The coolest gig that I have ever done was recently this year, when I played music for a five year-old’s birthday celebration for free :) It was really special and challenging at the same time, but at the end of the party I felt really good seeing all the smiles on their little faces, and I was glad I did the gig!

Janielle | I love how it always begins with something you love doing. I think that’s what our first conversation was about! So, who inspired you to pursue the sphere of music – which I believe can be a lot tougher than settling for an ordinary job in Zim?

Romeo | My faith in God. Through His word, I am challenged to live a purpose-driven life and to serve him through the gifts that he has given me in the arts.

Janielle | That’s so cool! I think it’s extremely rare to find guys like you who can see yourself using music and DJ-ing for God! At the moment, what’s a challenge facing upcoming musicians in Zimbabwe or Africa in general?

Romeo | In Zimbabwe, the biggest challenge that artists face is economic hardship – it is difficult and expensive to produce quality music and to make a living out of the industry. It’s also tough to gather enough support from the general public since the arts is thought of to be a ‘non-essential’ for people.

Janielle | That’s the reason why I believe in what you do. It may be ‘non-essential’, but I think every culture, and every society needs its own style of expression. Although it’s tough to get there, I think music is definitely something that can be used for a greater purpose! Amidst all the things in the media industry that could weigh you down, what’s the one thing that keeps you anchored?

Romeo | I am deeply in love with what I do.

Janielle | How simple and true! It’s that passion that keeps us going. So what’s next for you and where do you plan to travel in the future?

Romeo | Right now, I’m working on advancing as a DJ. While most other DJ’s focus on mixing music, I am going beyond that to focus on live video mixing – something that is not being done on the market, and especially in Zimbabwe.

As we speak, I have completed a pilot project in the form of a television program called InDaMix that’s being aired on national television. It is already receiving positive responses from the public and I intend to promote this by delving further into the area of video mixing. So far, I have ventured into producing Christian music and videos. I’ve also been involved on Zimbabwean radio where I’ve begun doing Christian dance mixes for the purpose of uplifting those who listen to my show.

In my plans to travel, I’d love to go to France, Australia, and the USA, and bring some Afro-vibes in those parts!

Janielle | Yes, we definitely need more of that down under! It’s been awesome talking to you, Romeo. Thanks for sharing your experiences and your music with the world. I think you made a pretty awesome choice to get out into the fray, try something different – like being a DJ! – and putting your heart to it. It’s amazing that as soon as we’ve begun, we realize with excitement that we can never know where the journey might lead us!

Never would I imagine that I’d have the incredible opportunity to meet and work with about 100 young people between the ages of 14 and 17 through songwriting and music at a Christian highschool in Kenya! What an amazing blessing it was to be connected with Christine Kamau, who is the worship pastor at Life Reformation Church (LRC) in Nairobi, Kenya. Through a Kenyan pastor and friend in Melbourne, I was placed in contact with Christine and her husband Paul Kamau, who is the associate pastor at LRC. They are hosting me for a week in Nairobi, and on the 18th of February, I was so blessed to be able to visit the school that they work at – Northgate School (NGS) in Kantafu, a Christian and values-based institution that was founded by LRC.

It is a boarding highschool, and all the students live on the campus like brothers and sisters, and one big family along with the staff and teachers. I was given three classes to run whatever program I had in mind. I learnt that with the Kenyan curriculum, the kids between Form 1 and 2 are only taught basic music theory and history. They are allowed to pursue instrumental music at their own expense, but in the schools, there’s no current syllables for examinable music subjects like they do in Australia where you have Music Solo Performance, Music Chamber Group and Music Styles and Composition (of which I completed all three as part of my final selection when I was at the Victorian College of the Arts School). Several of the students shared with me how they felt presently limited due to the fact that the school does not have an instrumental music program as of yet, for those who want to learn solo instruments like piano or guitar. I really hope and pray that in the coming years they would be able to do something about this, as they have great plans to start a school band for chapel services and to record their own music too!

So anyhow, knowing that the kids usually just learnt music theory in class, I wanted to do something different and introduce something a bit more interactive. In each session, I took time to introduce myself, shared my story and a bit about my faith journey, and gave time for them to ask me questions. I took the opportunity to also ask them about why they thought music was important and powerful in their lives. I wanted to know what kind of a program they would love to have and the things they’d like to learn in a music class. I asked if anyone was passionate about songwriting, rapping, writing poetry, playing or singing in a band, recording music, and being involved in church choir. I asked them to share what inspires them to sing, write or play music. I soon realized that these guys and girls were an exceptional bunch of young people. They were all exceptionally passionate about their faith and very intrinsically motivated students. They knew they were in a school that upheld Biblical principles and values. They knew that they were here to develop their identity and character in Christ. They were eager to learn and quick to listen. They knew that God has a destiny and purpose for them, and they are now in the process of discovering it while they are at school. Truly, as Paul Kamau said in one of the leadership sessions for the school captains, it is a beautiful thing to be young and growing in maturity of character. And I saw this at work in these young people, through the godly teaching, guidance and leadership of the school’s directors, teachers and pastors.

I absolutely loved every moment talking and interacting with these teenagers. I still remember some of their names: Moses Evans, Mordecai, John Alex, Akadelly, Sheila, Lorraine, Elma, Precious, Stephen, Gideon, Belma, Allegiance (what a cool name hey!), Harmony, Ariana, James, Victor, Samuel, Idah and countless others. They gave some of the most heartfelt and thoughtful replies to my questions. It was so easy to bounce off them because we were very like-minded. When I asked them why they thought music was an important and influential gift in their lives, here are some of their thoughts:

‘Music is powerful because it is a form of creative expression where I can share with others how I feel and think.’

‘When I sing, it is an amazing thing because it comes from within, from my heart.’

‘Music can be used as a message to encourage and help others who are in difficult situations or dark places.’

‘Different kinds of music have power to make me think positive thoughts and feelings.’

‘Writing songs helps me to talk about what I’m going through or how I’m feeling.’

‘With music, I can worship God and connect with Him spiritually.’

‘Listening to music helps me to balance and regulate my thoughts and emotions.’

These young people were so articulate and eager to share, it was wonderful beyond belief! See, this is what I want to go everywhere I go, as someone who is also not much older than the average highschool kid: to share my story and tell them that despite the challenges of temporary limitations they face, they can still make a difference using creative expression and collaboration. They can be influential leaders of their time where they are with the message they bring and the destiny they are discovering in God. It makes my heart so full to see 14, 15, 16, 17 year olds with such an evident desire to do something purposeful with their lives and their God-endowed gifting. Truly, it is a beautiful and rare thing. I thank God for the chance to witness this at work even in a remote small town in Kenya.

In the classes, I got the groups to write choruses and compose songs together using experiences and Bible verses that have inspired them in their journey. Some of them never had a music class, much less an interactive music workshop like this in their entire schooling life, and they were so excited to ask me questions and share their songs, dreams and challenges with me. At dinnertime, one of the girls, Lorraine, came to me and shared that before coming to Northgate Highschool, she had never had a music class in her life. And up till my session with them today, she never knew that we could write worship and praise songs based on Bible verses, and she was challenged now to write her own too. I was so glad, and I felt pure joy welling up in me. This is why I am in Africa – at 21. This is why God planted this burden and desire in my heart to give my love for music and songwriting back to Him – so He can use me like this and pour out a new thing into the lives of other young people who have not had the opportunities I have had. This is why. And I felt it so deeply that I knew this is God answering the prayers I’ve prayed thus far – for vision, clarity of my mission, new inspiration, the ability to lead and teach others, confidence to speak to different kinds of people, the desire to reach orphans and widows and the youth of this generation.

It was amazing – what the students came up with in their groups of four, five and six. In 20 minutes, they composed songs and some really catchy choruses based on their favourite Scripture verses. One of my favourites was by a 17 year old guy named Moses Evans and his group of four – in between the song, he did a spoken word in Swahili about a friend of his who was an orphan and who found God in his teenage years. Another cool one was a group of four boys who wrote about the Psalmist David’s trust in God – the leader, who’s a brilliant drummer, got innovative and used his metal pencil box, a pen, pencil, and the wooden desk as a drum kit. Man, I was impressed – it really sounded so good! There were some really deep and meaningful lyrics that truly touched me when I reflected on how young some of them were. Indeed, just like I started writing my first worship song when I was 14 – you are never too young to sing about things that matter for eternity, because God himself says so!

All the time, I was moving around and helping the groups with musical ideas, melodies and harmonies while playing my ukulele! I really wish that they have a keyboard or piano, but at the moment there are no instruments at the school. After school, John Alex, one of the 16 year old boys, asked to speak with me. We had a good time jamming with a ukulele and guitar along with some of the other kids, and John had the chance to ask me some questions about how I pursued music. He really wants to go to a music institution after highschool and he desires to learn the piano or guitar while he is at NGS. Unfortunately at the moment, as the school has just moved to their new location in Kantafu, things are still developing and there are no instruments available on the campus. Another problem is also that the Kenyan system itself does not encourage or give opportunity for highschool students (in the final two years) to learn instrumental music at school. They are to focus only on the subjects that they are doing for national testing, and at present there are no music subjects at all. So these were some of the challenges that I learned about as I chatted with the students.

It is my hope, prayer and desire that God will begin to equip and enable me to develop myself and my skills in music and teaching in such a way that in the future, I would be able to work with a school, church or missions organization to start art programs that will help create opportunities for children and young people in places where such things are mere impossibilities. I believe with God all things are possible, and He certainly wants to see the youth of this generation rising up in dark and difficult places to be the salt and the light – and one of the most effective ways for this to happen is to use the powerful platform of music and the arts to influence current culture. I want to be a part of a mission to empower, inspire and train young people who are passionate about Jesus – so that they will grow to be worshipers, songwriters, musicians, artists, music teachers and music therapists that will influence their worlds for the glory of God and for His kingdom.