Talents we have backed: music, art and football
From a 2022 studio session to a Kalenjin hit on national radio, a pencil artist and young footballers: the talents Momi Foundation has helped grow in Elgeyo-Marakwet.
Talent is everywhere in Elgeyo-Marakwet. What is often missing is a little backing at the right moment: studio time, a set of pens, a pitch and a tournament to play in. Here are some of the young people we have backed, and where that backing led.
Director D: from the studio to national radio
In December 2022 we took three musicians and two producers into the studio at A Sound Masters Records and helped them produce three songs. One of those artists was Director D, in the yellow jacket.
We kept backing him. With Tugen Finest he recorded "Mimi Nataka Mkale", sung in Kalenjin, which became his second hit. With TikTok creator Trukid helping to promote the song, Tugen Finest Souls had passed 300,000 views on YouTube by March 2025, and on 4 April 2025 the two appeared live on Radio Citizen's "Jambo Kenya".
Read the full story: Director D and Tugen Finest: from the studio to Radio Citizen.
Anselimo Arts: a pencil and a lot of patience
Anselimo draws detailed pencil portraits under the name Anselimo Arts. We supported him with drawing tools and some cash so he could keep creating, and at the second MOMI football tournament in May 2023 he presented one of his framed portraits at the evening ceremony.
Read more in Supporting Anselimo Arts.
Young footballers, ward by ward
Our football tournaments give hundreds of young players a stage, from the first MOMI tournament in January 2023 to the chapters in Sengwer and Arror wards. The best, most disciplined and most needy players have had their school fees paid, so talent on the pitch also means a place in the classroom.
Back the next one
Do you know a young singer, artist or athlete in Elgeyo-Marakwet who needs a start? Get in touch, or support our work so we can back the next one. Follow along on Facebook.
