27/02/2026
OPDP in partnership with Pawanka Fund, held a two-day Music Career Workshop bringing together Ogiek artists from different locations.
The workshop focused on songwriting structure (8–16–8–8 formula), production basics, branding, professionalism, and using music as a tool for cultural preservation and climate change advocacy.
A key highlight was the collaboration between elders and youth. Elders shared detailed knowledge about traditional forest life; honey harvesting, hunting, indigenous trees and herbs, cultural ceremonies and how climate change and forest destruction have affected the community. The youth then worked in groups to turn these real stories into structured songs centered on forest conservation, identity, and interdependence between the Ogiek and the forest.
The meeting also emphasized on artist discipline, originality, reputation management, promoting the Ogiek language, and positioning Ogiek music as a strong cultural brand. Artists were encouraged to value their talent, avoid destructive habits like alcohol and drugs addiction.
As a result, the three groups created original draft songs rooted in culture, stronger intergenerational collaboration, and a clear commitment to revive, document, and professionally produce Ogiek music.
