His journey, fuelled by creativity and passion, is a testament to what young Kenyans can achieve when given the right opportunities. Teddy’s love for music began when he joined Ghetto Classics, a programme that nurtures musical creativity in underprivileged communities.
His passion for the piano was sparked when he discovered an old electronic keyboard and was fascinated by the sounds it made. With no formal training, he began teaching himself to play using the Internet, even crafting a makeshift keyboard out of cardboard boxes to practise. Saving the few shillings his mother gave him for school meals, he accessed online tutorials and honed his skills.
His big break came when a Ghetto Classics volunteer from the UK noticed his talent. In 2022, he become the first Kenyan pianist to receive a scholarship at a European conservatoire. Last year, his talent caught global attention when he was featured on The Piano, a UK music TV competition. His performance was widely praised, including by world-renowned pianist Lang Lang, who encouraged him to keep pursuing his dreams.
STUDIES DILEMMA
Now 23, Teddy Otieno is in the final year of his Bachelor of Music (BMus Hons) degree, but financial constraints threaten to cut short his dream. While he has secured partial funding, an additional £15,000 (Sh2.5 million) is urgently needed to cover his tuition and living expenses. Having come so far and achieved so much, it would be heartbreaking for financial barriers to halt his progress now. Can you help Teddy cross the finish line?
Teddy’s ambitions extend beyond personal success. He dreams of opening The Piano Academy in Nairobi for all young Kenyan to benefit in the way he did.
President William Ruto has prioritised youth empowerment, talent development and the creative economy. Teddy’s journey embodies all these aspirations. Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum recognises creativity as a core competence, and many young people like Teddy need support to succeed.
This is an opportunity for corporate sponsors, private philanthropists and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports to invest in a young artist whose success will inspire a new wave of musicians. Kenya cannot afford to let such talent go to waste due to financial constraints.
Teddy Otieno’s story is not just his own; it is a Kenyan story. It proves that with determination and the right support, young people from even the most disadvantaged backgrounds can reach global heights. Let’s rally behind one of our own. Let’s show the world that Kenya nurtures and supports its young stars.
Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will help an exceptional young Kenyan complete his studies and bring his knowledge, talent and passion back home to inspire the next generation of musicians.
HOW TO DONATE
You can donate via:
1.
JustGiving (Official Fundraising Page by the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire) www.justgiving.com/campaign/rbcteddy
2. Direct Bank Transfer to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Sort code: 60-02-35; Account number: 76464822; Account name: BCU – Development Fund Bank name: National Westminster Bank (Birmingham City Centre branch); BIC: NWBKGB2L; IBAN: GB13NWBK6002357646822; Payment reference: RBC-9800084 – Teddy Otieno’s unique fund code).
Alla Tkachuk is the founder of maskcreate.org
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