Judith Bwire, one of Kenya’s fast-rising singer, dance artiste and composer makes music using the nyatiti. Popular as a professional choreographer Judith has risen above odds to transform her creative abilities making a bold and radical shift in pursuit of a recording artiste career. She grew up steeped in music; her Dad had a DJ sound system; thus was exposed at an early age to Rhumba compositions by East African bands Orchestra Lipua Lipua, Super Mazembe, Simba Wanyika, Les Mangelepa and Orchestra Virunga. Among other influences are Sam Fan Thomas, Mbilia Bel, late Brenda Fassie and over recent years Suzanna Owiyo. But even as she embarks on her journey to the world music stage, the artiste has gleaned enormous live concerts and stage presence experience. Judith accompanied Kenya neo-traditional Luo music band Kenge Kenge Orutu System to the Womad Festival 2010 staged Spain. Later in same year, the group performed at the International Spring Festival in Israel. Judith was also Kenge Kenge band’s background vocals singer/dancer at the Malaysia World Music Festival 2008, in Penang city. Her next stop was at Roskilde festival, Denmark (2008) and Roots Festival Amsterdam, Holland (2008). Between 2003 and 2006, Judith toured Japan, engaged for dance laboratory series of performances with the Giriama Africa troupe. In 2004, she pitched tent for the month-long Chaoyang International Pop Music Festival, in Beijing, China joining artistes from nine [9] African countries. Locally, Judith was Kisima Awards Afro-Fusion Artiste of the Year and Benga Artiste of the Year Nominee. She has also performed at Kikwetu and Sawa Sawa festivals among other events. Her consistent travels across the globe resulted in the singer picking up assorted elements and influences from different cultures – an aspect evident in her songs. “I like to sing, talk and laugh. I’m able to enjoy making my music. One has to express the gratitude and joy you feel to your audiences, the people who enable you to do so. There are moments when as an artiste you close your eyes and be thankful”, she says. Last year, Judith launched her debut 10-track album aptly titled Mama Afrika – and has since also featured at the Mitumba-A-Happening series of shows staged in Germany, Tanzania and Kenya. You can catch a listen and glimpse of Judith's music at the following links https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEhg43JwguA https://www.youtube.com/user/JudithBwireOfficial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXX0Ke8XtE4&list=UU4bqvGRGs3jZsOO6dpOiO4A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDwJiJoqK3w&list=TLicxCU5AskKj2C3zLvmO7mnnmgxNduSCO