To all Warriors, Fans, and Friends,
Our team fills me with immense pride. Starting from our modest beginnings on Kickstarter in 2013, we have consistently progressed and expanded. VOM has transformed into a movement! With over 60K fans, fresh supporters, and up-and-coming talent connecting with us every day. What is the driving force behind all this? In the words of Bob Marley, "one love" unity is the force. No criticism, no conflicts, just one love.
Milestones and Challenges
Working diligently and quietly in the background, I provide support to the VOM team. In the spring of 2019, our Arusha studio faced a flood, prompting us to swiftly organize a support campaign. We are immensely thankful for the generous contributions that enabled us to promptly repair our security wall, preventing potential theft issues. Additionally, unexpected changes with our tech service providers necessitated quick adjustments, some voluntary and some mandatory, which kept me occupied and resourceful behind the scenes to ensure our online presence remained optimal. Through my altruistic efforts to maximize every penny, we have managed to not only survive but thrive!
New Talent & Team Members
We are happy to welcome RP Mbaula to VOM team, styling himself as a Maasai Rapper, he is largely influenced by the work of the late Mr Ebbo, Professor Jay and Mr II. His Bongo Flava music, combining Maa and Swahili, is widely received and loved by many in Tanzania due to strong messages about life, society and challenges across Maasailand.
We are excited to showcase the EndFGM Podcast host Jeremiah Kipainoi. Jeremiah, hailing from Kitengela Kenya, utilizes media to disseminate human-interest narratives and motivate individuals to make a positive impact in their localities. Kipainoi is a distinguished multimedia journalist and a participant of the Salzburg Global Seminar. His objective is to harness the influence of artistic expression for beneficial societal transformation.
We are delighted to introduce Mokia Naputu as a content contributor to the VOM team. Hailing from the Maasai community in Simanjiro District, located approximately 70km south of Arusha city in northern Tanzania, Mokia is a student and teaching assistant at the University of Dar Es Salaam. Aspiring to become a successful writer, he aims to leverage his education and the Voice of Maasai platform to raise awareness about Maasai culture and the challenges they encounter.
Current Opportunities
Over the years, fans have frequently inquired about how they can join Voice of Maasai. While I wish everyone could participate, VOM is akin to a complex puzzle, with the big picture coming together one piece at a time. I am excited to introduce the latest addition to this puzzle - the VOM Award Competitions! These competitions offer emerging and established visual artists the chance to be part of our global collaboration. We will be organizing bi-annual competitions where artists, photographers, and illustrators can compete for prizes and the opportunity to have their work published by Voice of Maasai.
Awards & Accolades
Improvements for Team and Brand
Launched Award Competition for merging and professional visual artists
Launched Professional EPK pages for our talent roster
Improved news blog/support page/podcast feed/talent feedback forms/intuitive menu navigation and efficiency of homepage
New merch and partnership with Maasai women's collective hand-made jewelry
Active calendar-of-events participation for continued brand exposure
"I promise to keep steering us in a direction that will help Amplify Maasai Voices and share the story of the Savannah’s of East Africa through the lens of those who call it home." ~ Jessey Jansen
I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who continues to show their support for this project. A special shout-out goes to the VOM brand ambassadors who assisted at the recent events.
For those who have downloaded the music, thank you, we hope it has brightened a dark day, lifted a spirit or two, or just made your ears ring with happiness. For those who have contributed monetarily, please feel a rush of pride that your dollars have supported our award winning music that is now available to the masses and helped to empower individuals. To those who have sent encouraging words, this is truly a gesture that pushes me forward when I feel slow. And for those who have taken the time to learn more, thank you, your inquiries fuel a brighter world.
If you are forward-thinking and want to be involved in our altruistic label, please reach out with partnership ideas, Jessey would love to chat.
To all, many thanks, ashe naleng!
~ Jessey and the Voice of Maasai Team
"Serengetidipity, when two unlikely things come together in a happy and beneficial way"
This initiative is made possible by the generous support of world music lovers like you!