Israel Kagaruki Muganyizi (IMUKA) is in Minneapolis through out the month of February. While I attribute my early passion for singing to my mother, the elevation of music as a unifying agent and a core source of inspiration for social capital and social change is something I credit wholeheartedly to Israel Kagaruki. That is why even our outreach inititive is named after his initiatials: IMUKA.
Israel is an extra-ordinary man. Not just because, as a blind man, has traveled alone all the way from Bukoba to Minneapolis (via JFK) with his three bags. But what he has been able to accomplish and teach us in Kagondo, Bukoba.
Israel Muganyizi Kagaruki embodies the characteristics of the Tanzanian Choir. He is a musician and composer. He is a woodworker. He is an evangelist and social activist. These characteristics combined with the perspective of a man blind most of his life, give him unique gifts to share with the rest of us. Israel has been a leading musical force in Tanzania as well as a leader in social action, particularly as the head of the Tanzanian Federation for the Disabled and the Society for the Blind. He has traveled Internationally, including visiting countries such as Sweden, the UK and Malaysia to represent those causes. He is also well known as an evangelist. Dr. Samson B. Mushemba, former Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania, often asked Israel to accompany him as an evangelist.
As a part of COSAD’s outreach and marketing, which aims at promoting COSAD work, foster cooperation and enhancing cross-cultural understanding with our partners and stakeholders, COSAD has sponsored Israel residency in Minnesota from the middle of January through March.
The Outreach committee of COSAD has transcribed for publication 6 of Israel’s estimated over 600 compositions. Several of his compositions have been featured in performances by the Minnesota Swahili Choir and the Carleton College Choir. During his residency, Israel is scheduled to work with the Macalester College Choir and several church choirs as well as the Swahili choir. He will also be a guest Choir Conductor COSAD’s Benefit Event of February 28th in the Twin Cities! If you are interested in this project our want to partner please contact us:
COSAD Board Chair Benjamin Allen Tel: 763.242.3311 Email: bgallen@carleton.edu or
Executive Director Smart P. Baitani Tel: 612 227 0065 Email: smart@cosad.org
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