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USANII MAGAZINE
ISSUE No. 4
BYU
NOTEWORTHY
HELLO, HELLO AND HELLO Usanii magazine is a concept that was developed almost 5 years agoand only came to fruition in April of 2020. Let that sink in...to took 5 years from conception to actual realisation of a dream. Our goal is to tell artistic stories from the artist’s point of view, to let the public in on what makes an artist tick. We give the public a front row seat to the lives of their favourite perfomers, designers, photographers, painters and everyone in between, but also just as importantly we give the artists an opportunity to collaborate and know more about each other. Due to prevailing circumsatnces with regards to COVID 19, we have been very limited in achieving our desired goals however that has not stopped us from continuing to pursue our objectives. Usanii is not just a Kenyan magazine, it is a global platform for artists from all around the world who would like to be discovered and explore the Kenyan audiences and a place for Kenyan artists to share their stories with the world. In our pursuit to be a global platform for all artists, we had an opportunity to chat with the ladies from the BYU NOTEWORTHY acapela group. To say that these ladies can sing is an understatement. They allowed us into their lives through fun stories of their most memorable performances, how they work together and their creative process. We also had the distinct honor of catching up with Kenyan duo Band BECA. The best all female duo band in the country if you ask us. Through the lense is one of our fovourite columns as we get to know more about different photographers and videographers who are doing amazing stuff to bring art and other stories to the public space. This month we speak to Stacey Gem, an up and coming photographer with a keen eye and the skill to boot. We hope that you will enjoy our new and improved usanii magazine and continue to not only support us but all the artists we feature. yours truly
USANII TEAM
MUSINGS
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SOMETIMES www.jacquiescorner.com
By Jacqueline Njoroge
Sometimes I wish I was invisible So that when you’d look in my direction You’d see everything but me. So that when our eyes meet You’d expect not more than a stare. Sometimes I wish I was invisible So that you wouldn’t care about my day Neither would I have the courage To ask about yours. Sometimes I wish I was invisible So that I could be a memory easily forgotten One that could never be etched in the brain. Sometimes I wish I was invisible So that I wouldn’t know happiness or pain So that life would pass me by And I would simply be left aloof. Sometimes I wish I was invisible So that the tales of love would never be told Because nobody took the time to love me. Sometimes I wish I was invisible So that life would tell its story without me And nobody would remember me. Sometimes. USANII
STACEY GEM
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U : How do you get the person, place or thing that is in front of the camera onto the film, chip or paper in just the way you want? S.G : How I get the photo is‌..I do no limit myself to what I want or how I want it, but I do believe in exploring the full potential of what feels right in my eyes. U : Which photographers influenced you, and how did they influence your thinking, photographing, and career path? S.G : I am mostly influenced by a team of photographers from pursuit of portraits. I followed their page through the growth of my skills. U : Exactly what it is you want to say with your photographs, and how do you actually get your photographs to do that? S.G : I tell stories of my community, I write short stories about these works, these stories govern my composition method and propping. U : What motivates you to continue taking pictures economically, politically, intellectually or emotionally? S.G : What motivates me to continue taking pictures is my passion. U : Explain your work flow. S.G : My work flow starts from a case study, and a story writing, that guides it, I sometimes make sketches and try these works on site just to see if the color balances. U : From your point of view, what makes a good picture? S.G : A good picture is communicative and aesthetical. USANII
THROUGH THE LENSE
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THROUGH THE LENSE
U : What is the most challenging part about being a photographer for you? S.G : The most challenging part of photography is this economy, their value for my skill set is limiting. most people are reluctant to pay enough for my type of services. U : What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos? S.G : One thing I wish I knew was That patience will be a big part of my art.
U : How did you develop your style? S.G : My style came by as a trial and error. U : If you could take your art in any direction without fear of failure or rejection, where would it lead? S.G : Without fear of rejection I would still end up where I am, because this is what I became without fear of rejection. U : In your free time, what kind of pictures do you like to shoot, and which ones do you avoid? S.G : In my free time, I would like to shoot landscape photos. U : Is there any other photographer that you consider as a kind of idol? S.G : I do consider amazing Kleff and Osborne Macharia. U : What does photography mean to you? S.G : Photography is life to me. USANII
THROUGH THE LENSE
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IMAGE BY - STACEY GEM MODEL - BEVERLY USANII
THROUGH THE LENSE
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IMAGE BY - STACEY GEM MODEL - LYNDA MYCHA USANII
THROUGH THE LENSE
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IMAGE BY - STACEY GEM USANII
THROUGH THE LENSE
IMAGE BY - STACEY GEM
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MAIN FEATURE page 11
BYU NOTEWORTHY
@BYUNOTEWORTHY
NOTEWORTHY
We catch up with the amazingly talented ladies from BYU NOTEWORTHY, an a capella group from BYU university. The ladies share with us some of their most amazing and challenging experiences as well as what it is like to be part of an ensemble that is known and loved world over...I mean all you have to do is look at their videos online to see that they are undoubtedly very GIFTED. U : How did BYU NOTEWORTHY come into being? AMY (Director) : Noteworthy was formed in 2004 by a girl named Esther who wanted to create something bigger than herself! She saw that there were no allfemale a cappella groups on campus and she wanted an outlet to perform and grow musically. It has certainly become something bigger than she could have ever imagined and we are all so grateful for her creating such a profound sisterhood that works to spread light and joy through vocal music.
pop tunes of their choosing for their initial audition, then we do a tone and range test. Callbacks include learning parts of our arrangements, movement portions, blending exercises, more solos and interviews. It’s such a small-knit group so it’s vital the ‘vibes’ are right with those we offer positions to. And it always seems to work out!
U ; Do you remember your first Noteworthy Performance? Where was it and how was the reception? AITANA : I remember my first performance with U ; Why Noteworthy? Noteworthy so vividly because the whole experience AMY (Director) : I wonder about this too lol! Most a cappella groups at the time were all a play on music was so invigorating--nerve-racking-but exciting! It was at the Marriott Center where we hold our words. The male a cappella group on campus is larger gatherings at BYU and we were part of the called ‘Vocal Point’ and so we went along with that entertainment lineup for a mini concert in honor collegiate a cappella cliche of have a music/pun/play of the Philanthropy Department. Part of our setlist on words group name. for that night included one of my solos which was Beyonce›s infamous song «End of Time» which U ; Is there a selection criterion to join the group? AMY (Director) : There is a pretty intensive audition made me more nervous because doing Beyonce is always a risk one takes--but here we were! During the process each year. In fact, all of the members have performance we had a major technical difficulty which to re-audition. Auditioners are asked to perform two USANII
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made what we heard in our in-ears not line up with the music the audience was hearing, but we snapped into focus-mode to make sure we gave the performance of our lives (while freaking out on the inside). The performance turned into a success as we channeled our inner Beyonce and danced/sang our hearts out–that was our first introduction to the new Noteworthy of 2019! A moment I will never forget! TIFFANY : My first Noteworthy performance was at a Law Symposium in Salt Lake City. It was such a special event because almost all of the leaders of our Church, including the Prophet, President Nelson, was there along with dignitaries and representatives from countries all over the world. During our set of songs, t these leaders and dignitaries were crying and closing their eyes which made me have to hold back my tears so I could sing! Then afterwards, several of them asked for pictures with us, shook our hands, introduced themselves, and complemented our performance which was such an incredibly humbling compliment to receive from some of the world’s most important people. ANNA : My first performance was at the freshman orientation for the new students attending Brigham Young University. We performed in the Wilkinson Center (one of the main buildings on campus) and everyone seemed to really enjoy the show! I remember being incredibly nervous, but the audience gave us a warm welcome and made us feel like rockstars! U : How would you define your sound? AMY (Director) : Noteworthy’s sound is strong, feminine, and versatile. We really like to switch things up and show that we can powerfully deliver a spiritual number, emotional ballad, or mainstream pop song! As music director, I really like to focus on and celebrate the fact that this music is ALL VOCAL. So for me, it’s not so much about imitating instruments (like a lot of contemporary a cappella does) but it’s about celebrating the female voice and using our unique gifts to convey important messages with the music we’re covering!
H C T A W O T TAP
PROUD MARY
'It’s such a small-knit group so it’s vital the ‘vibes’ are right with those we offer positions to.' AMY WHITCOMB - DIRECTOR USANII
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ANNA : I would define our sound as energetic, genuine, and rich. U : What has been the most memorable performance? AITANA: I think the most memorable performance for me would have to be for this huge church conference that was dedicated and in partnership with the Latin/Mexican/Hispanic community where we sang for over 21,000 people! During one of our songs, people started to shine their phone lights up on us and we could feel the energy radiating so intensely! It was a beautiful moment for us as a group and for everyone in attendance for sure.
rehearsed for a little over a month, so we were rushed for time and hadn›t been able to polish everything yet. Though it wasn›t perfect, we still had a lot of fun and learned how to fix our mistakes for the next several concerts!
U : What Is the musical process? How do you go from concept or an idea to the actual realization of the idea? The musical process usually includes listening to a song over and over and over until things start to fall together in my mind of how it would sound with the group, how it would look and be performed on stage. Taking the concept to actual realization is slow and steady, step by step...which can be hard for me TIFFANY: We had the INCREDIBLE opportunity because I’m extremely impatient lol... but it is an to sing at an event called Luz de Las Naciones at the incredibly fulfilling process. It’s creation! It’s such a Conference Center in Salt Lake City. This event is a gift. special event hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that caters specifically to the Latino U : Have you performed outside of the U.S? If YES community both in and out of the Church globally. where? The Conference Center can hold approximately Noteworthy›s only international experience as of now 20,000 people and it was completely FILLED! The was in 2010 when we went to Hong Kong for an a cast consisted of roughly 1,000 volunteers from cappella festival. It was AMAZING to experience performers to technicians, and everything in between. a new culture...one that deeply loves and celebrates It was such a special experience to get to perform music and a cappella. alongside all of these beautiful people from a different culture. We saw traditional dress and music from AMY WHITCOMB different cultures within the Latino community MUSIC DIRECTOR that made for an enlightening and inspirational experience. For our portion of the show we sang a U ; As a music Director what is the most challenging song called “Vivir Mi Vida”, “When You Believe” part about managing a group of young, talented from the animated movie, The Prince of Egypt, ladies? alongside the choir that was there, and a closing song AMY : Oh man...I’ve never had any job or role with the entire cast. It was the most surreal experience challenge me more than this. It has taught me SO during “When You Believe” when 20,000 people much. About music, about the world, about myself. turned on the lights on their phone and started waving Fortunately, these ladies are so incredible. They them in the air. It lit up the entire Conference Center seriously never cease to amaze me. But personalities and left every single one of us in awe of what we had differ, we don’t always see eye to eye, and as much the privilege to be a part of. Just thinking about is as I just want everyone to agree and be happy all giving me chills all over again. of the time...I know it can’t always be that way. So the biggest challenge for me is just being the BOSS, U : What has been the worst performance? How did confidently making decisions, and following through. you recover from that ? And realizing that it’s not my job to mentally and AITANA: For me personally, it was when we had emotionally take care of everyone. We all have the a concert in Colorado and my mic had technical responsibility of self-care, prioritizing, setting our own difficulties the entire show and I was so frustrated and boundaries, working hard, and keeping the bigger embarrassed. Did I recover? Not sure...but I just tried vision in mind. to trudge through and made it work. ANNA: My first full show, which included at least U : And what is the most amazing thing about it? twenty choreographed songs and many transitional AMY : Seeing ideas come to life, seeing the girls speaking parts, was a bit of a trainwreck. We had only improve, feeling their confidence grow, and creating USANII
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cover FEATURE something bigger and more spectacular TOGETHER ..something greater than we could ever do on our own. U : How do you keep the group motivated? AMY : Food! Some pep talks and feelings circles here and there...but mostly, food. haha! U : Do you ever have a difference in views or opinions with the group and how do you handle/ resolve it? AMY : I tell the girls at the very beginning of each year...that we have to address our differences headon. We must set the standard of love and kindness for each other. So if someone does something that bothers you...you have to kindly and calmly address it. Same goes for me. If I’m hurt by something or upset by something someone said or did...I address it directly. This has bonded us majorly and helped us push through some tough moments. TIFFANY: Some of us do have different views and opinions and the best thing to do in life, and in a situation like this, is just to listen to each other and learn. Everyone has different experiences that shape who they are and there is always something that can be learned from other people and there is always room to grow. U : Having different types of people in a group can be a very wild experience, what kind of activities do you have to make the ladies grow closer and create long lasting bonds that go beyond BYU? The girls are constantly hanging out outside of rehearsal...having movie marathons, getting their nails done, everything. We try to have times where we can get together to just BE together, not having to rehearse or prepare for something. BUT I did change the rehearsal schedule to give us more time to goof around and have those important bonding moments as we work and rehearse. I personally prefer it that way. We’re working hard but also creating meaningful memories and relationships. And HAVING FUN. Ever yone has different experiences that shape who they are and there is alw ays so mething that can be lea rned fro m other people and there is always ro om to grow.
-TIFFANY
AMY WHITCOMB
ELLIE
U : How has your experience been in Noteworthy? My experience in Noteworthy has been simply lifechanging. Throughout the years I have learned so much about myself and about working with others. I’ve learned how to work with other strong women and how to become a better version of me. I love Noteworthy. U : Your voice gave us chills when we›re listening to ‘I can only Imagine’. How long have you been singing? My mom says I used to sing myself to sleep as a baby, so let’s say... forever! I begged my mom to join choirs and get voice lessons as a child and I participated in every singing outlet I could find. U : You have mentioned before that you love cooking. What is your favorite meal? My favorite meal is Thai Curry. I’m also a sucker for any kind of baked treats. U : What was your fondest memory in BYU NOTEWORTHY? It’s hard to pick a fondest memory because we sing in incredible places for even more amazing people. I love music video shoot days. When Amy told me I would be soloing for I Can Only Imagine, it was paired with a really difficult life experience. That song and video shoot helped me see my own divine qualities through the eyes of other people. It is my the video I’m most proud of out of all Noteworthy videos because I felt completely like myself and so seen.
USANII
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MARYN
U : How long have you been with Noteworthy? I have been in Noteworthy for three years; -2017 2020. Being a member and singing with Noteworthy has been an amazing experience. My first year I sang under the direction of Keith Evans and completed my second and third years under the direction of current director, Amy Whitcomb. I am so grateful for the amazing training, vision, and efforts of both Keith and Amy as directors, as well as for the long-lasting relationships I have made with members of the group these past three years. U : Do you remember where you were when you found out you had been accepted as a member of the group? What was your reaction? I auditioned for Noteworthy in March of 2017. I remember leaving auditions and going to a Church activity where I met up with some friends. I was chatting in the Church hallway when my phone rang from an unknown number. My heart started racing, I kind of panicked, and turned to my friends in shock that Noteworthy might be calling. I hurried outside to pick up the phone. Previous Noteworthy member Megan Sackett was on the call. We chatted and laughed a bit about the audition as I paced outside of the Church building. And then she told me I had been chosen as one of the newest members of Noteworthy! I couldn’t stop smiling! I felt so excited and honored to join such an elite, talented, and close-knit group. As soon as I got off the phone I immediately called my Mom to tell her the good news. It was a very happy moment, and one that changed my life.
U : If you could relive one particular moment with the ladies, what would it be? I have had so many amazing performance opportunities with Noteworthy - both on the stage and in front of the camera - but no performance will ever compare to our performance in November 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah, in the Conference Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was MAGICAL. We performed two numbers in a multi-cultural celebration for an audience of 21,000 people. One of the numbers we sang was “When You Believe”. I had the opportunity to solo during the performance with the group as we were backed by both an adult and childrens’ choir and an orchestra. As we sang, the audience pulled out their phones, turned on their flashlights, and waved them in the air. It was breathtaking! To see the love and unity of people and cultures in a crowd of 21,000 brought tears to our eyes. Our hearts were filled with love for every member of the audience that night. It was the most magical experience and one that I will cherish forever.
U : Has being a member of this group impacted your personal life in any way? Being a member of Noteworthy has benefited me in so many ways. I have created life-long friendships, had amazing performing opportunities, and learned so much about love, kindness, confidence, and authenticity. I truly believe that Noteworthy has shaped me into who I am today. I am so grateful for Noteworthy. It doesn’t feel so much like I am a part of a group as it does a family. Noteworthy is family. We each love singing, performing, listening, laughing, and serving, but we love doing all those things together. Singing has brought us together in such an amazing way.
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M A R Y N
E L L I E
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USANII
Classical moments
nakestra’s bridal
@NAKESTRA
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COVID ON By Alex Waweru
We are all affected if not infected by the Covid 19 (Sars CoV 2) outbreak. Be it in whatever industry we are in. The effects may even last longer. And as the world learns how to adapt to this new reality Musicians should also adapt. Fast.
I felt like I couldn’t sustain myself. Like some horrible financial choices had caught up with me. Later I met a mentor of mine who happens to be a successful entrepreneur. He made me understand not to underestimate the power of Earning.
Concert Halls lay empty, Conservatories remain closed, Studios are running on fumes, Online lessons are driving private teachers crazy.
We should not question our ability to earn. We got into this world at some point not earning but depending on others for survival. Eventually, we learnt This isn’t easy as many other sectors how to earn and adapt remain shut. Airlines and Hotels and adapt. As a musician, I came to being more affected. Markets sourcing Nairobi joined a local orchestra and as I commodities from other countries and was in time in my first year in University not within local farmers (it puzzles I learnt how to offer music lessons to me why). Transport and Movement beginners as I was then an intermediate restricted and business hours going pianist. I went in and started teaching. I down. Massive layoffs and unpaid leaves. have since then taught over a hundred different students and made a life after. While this pandemic has proved ugly, I even got a family. there is a lot to learn from this. We have had time to look back at how we run our I gave performances and grew as a lives, Did we save enough? Did we invest teacher and pianist. Life was great. enough? Did we love or live enough? Eventually my lifestyle caught up to Most of us probably felt put down by my income. As musicians we tend to be these effects. prodigious in spending... However, Hope must not be lost. Its important to ask ourselves the most important question. What is my next step? A couple of weeks ago, i had been pushed up the wall.
However i learnt later that if u can manage little you can manage much. (It is biblical) Now enter Covid, most students panic and your left minus all your clients with
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Classical moments
only one who wants to try online lessons. Things change and that›s when all hell breaks loose. The idea that people are suffering settles in your head and wondering about the unforeseen future becomes a feeling all too common. Long story short. However, many times we don›t stop to think about how much abundance there is on earth. Just because things are bad doesn’t mean that there is no money in circulation. There are people who have a need for our services and are still willing to pay for it. Some want to start an instrument or vocal lessons to get their minds of things. Some have money to buy instruments to keep their kids busy. This is the time to realize this. We need to be awake! We are all born marketers. We should strive to find alternatives in every instance.
whatever industry we are in. The effects may even last longer. And as the world learns how to adapt to this new reality Musicians should also adapt. Fast. Concert Halls lay empty, Conservatories remain closed, Studios are running on fumes, Online lessons are driving private teachers crazy. This isn’t easy, as many other sectors remain shut. Airlines and Hotels being more affected. Markets sourcing commodities from other countries and not within local farmers (it puzzles me why). Transport and Movement restricted and business hours going down. Massive layoffs and unpaid leaves. While this pandemic has proved ugly, theres a lot to learn from this. We have had time to look back at how we run our lives, Did we save enough? Did we invest enough? Did we love or live enough?
So you can’t teach physically? Start an online class, Try to get customers for a local music shop. Get to a studio, get a track, put it on sound cloud etc, see if it makes money for you. If you charge Most of us probably felt put down by 30$ a lesson try giving packages i.e 10 these effects. lessons for 200$. Try as much as possible to make something. However, Hope must not be lost. This is not the time to die. Rather the time to be more alert. Avert all thoughts of weakness. Make sharp smart decisions, and live Frugally. Let’s win some more.
Eventually we shall get over this, and we shall have learnt how to survive. We›re not the first and neither shall we be the last. We are all affected if not infected by the Covid 19 (Sars CoV 2) outbreak. Be it in USANII
SPOTLIGHT
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BAND BECA
the BAND BECA
@theBANDBECA
U : Tell us about the beginning of Band Beca
Band Beca started in 2015 while we were in Sauti Academy..We decided we want to work together coz our voices blended perfectly together, we had amazing chemistry and same goals and dreams in music
U : How did you arrive at the name
Band BeCa actually came from the initials of our first names and Becky›s Dad(Abedi Sangolo) helped us come up with it
U : Did you grow up in a musical family
Carol : I dint really grow up in a musical family but my dad was in church choirs so maybe some bit of my talent comes from that Becky : My dad is actually an artist and he had a hit song back then called Dot com Lady.He›s always been supportive of me and Band BeCa
U : How would you define your sound
Our sound is mostly urban pop but we always experiment because we are very diversed and now we are trying new sounds like a bit of Afro pop bongo
U : What influences your music
Personal experiences influence our music and talking about things that we go through as the youth and girls in general
U : What has been your experience so far as musicians
Our experiences as musicians are quite interesting. We›ve had alot of ups and downs but we take them all as lessons to do better.
U : Should we expect an album any time soon
you should definitely expect an ep soon. we are super excited about it and the collaborations that will be coming through!! Be glued on our social media’s @thebandbeca for more details
U : You recently signed to Naiboi’s label, how has that experience been like for you ? yes we are under Naiboi Worldwide and so far so good.. we have a good working relationship and it makes things easier.We love the progress we are making with them.
U : What do you do on your free time?
We actually watch movies,go out with friends,work out(this one is for Becky),and karaoke ofcourse. To emphasize how much we love karaoke we have BeCaraoke every Wednesday from 10pm 11-pm where we engage with our fans and nature young talents.
U : What has been your most memorable live performance experience
we have a couple of amazing performances but coke studio was definitely memorable.
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SPOTLIGHT
We worked with Aka (SA) and Olamide(Ng) and we learnt so so much
U : What about your worst
Worst performance was when we got arrested by NEEMA because noise pollution hehe the story is long we shared it on our YouTube Channel
U : What is the future for Band BeCa
The future for Band Beca is bright and promising..We have soo many plans both music related and non music related..We really want to empower girls and women in general and we are working towards that with everything we got
U : What is the song writing process…or rather what does your creative process look like?
Quite honestly Becky does most of the song writing for us but we come up with melodies and go with the flow..We write most of our songs in studio so that it›s all fresh and authentic
U : If you would change something about Kenya’s music industry as it is right now, what would it be?
We would definitely change the structures put in place to help us as artists benefit more from our Careers
USANII
U : Which local artist do you wish to work with in the future We would love to work with Sauti Sol,Nyashinski,Femi One,Khaligraph,Nadia Mukami
U : What about international acts? Beyonce,Little Mix,Western, Chloe X Halle the list is endless U : What do your families think about your careers as musicians?
our families are super supportive of our careers.they are our biggest fans. We are blessed to have them as part of our journey
U : What courses did you study in school?
Carol:I decided to join sauti Academy to get in to music and focus on that Becky: I joined Karatina University but I had to take a break,Join Sauti academy and focus on my music business career