It was an absolute joy to welcome Australian singing icon, Kasey Chambers to School for Life Campuses in Uganda last week. Kasey, along with guitarist Brandon Dodd, visited the schools at both Katuuso and Mbazzi and stunned the students and staff with their musical prowess.
Kasey Chambers welcomed by the students at Katuuso
Kasey Chambers and Brandon Dodd in front of Katuuso Primary students.
The anticipation for her visit had been building for some weeks amongst students and teachers alike and there was a buzz as each school prepared for the special visitors.
Throughout both days Kasey and Brandon had the children, teachers and staff laughing, crying, clapping, swaying and of course singing. The pure joy on some of the faces of teachers and students was moving and there were certainly a few budding guitarists, singers and musicians who found new inspiration to pursue their passion for music.
The power and presence of her talent ensured there was no fidgeting amongst even the babies in the crowd as all were entranced by her dynamic music.
Kasey and Jael
A highlight was a welcome from Primary 4 student Jael who performed a rendition of ‘The Captain’ with such passion and presence it brought many, including Kasey to tears.
Later Kasey and Jael performed the song together, with her classmates joining in with the chorus. It was a truly special, uplifting moment and unforgettable for all.
In between hugs with Kasey after the performance, Jael said “I’ve never been so happy”.
It seems that Kasey Chambers found her new Co-Captain at Mbazzi Primary!
A crowd favourite with the younger children was the catchy sing-along ‘I Like Animals’. What a sight to see hundreds of students holding up coloured cut outs of Elephants, Lions, Kangaroos and Koalas as they sung ‘I like animals, you like animals, we all love animals!’ at the top of their lungs, jumping to their feet with pure glee.
“I Like Animals” sing-a-long with Kasey and Brandon
Our gorgeous pre-schoolers with their animal cut-outs
Not only performing for the students, Kasey and Brandon shared Gospel songs with the cooks, builders and any other staff or community members that were around the schools on the day and it was clear that the spirit of the music transcended any language barriers that may have existed.
Head of Tailoring, Winnie, with Kasey in our Kumi Tailoring Rooms
Kasey and Brandon with Head Teacher at Mbazzi Primary, Joseph
Kasey and Brandon singing to our cooks and kitchen staff at Katuuso
To top it all off, Brandon and Kasey had sung a Grizzlee Train song called ‘Dayo’. The song was a particular favourite for the high school students who sung with such passion that the singing of ‘Dayo’ surpassed into yelling.
Just as we thought the show was over, a roar erupted amongst the crowd of students. One of the maintenance men named Deo (pronounced Dayo) had entered the hall in response to the singing of his name.
A new chorus of ‘Dayo’ exploded amongst the students at a decibel that hadn’t yet been heard before. A scene you couldn’t script, Deo broke out in dance as hundreds of students were screaming his name in song.
What an unforgettable moment for all… particularly Deo.
Deo and Kasey sharing a laugh
So generous with her time and her talent, it was an absolute pleasure to host Kasey Chambers at School for Life. With so many priceless memories, the visit was one of joy and will truly be remembered by all!
Kasey and Brandon teaching songs to the kids in the Katuuso Assembly Hall
Touring through the schools
Students and teachers enamoured by the performances of Kasey and Brandon
Kasey and Brandon having fun with our Mbazzi Primary students
Sing-a-longs with the Mbazzi High School students
