The African gospel style musical group from Daystar University, Afrizo, will be making a stop in Orange City to sing at Christ Chapel at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23.
Concert admission is free, but the group hopes to raise scholarship money through donations. Daystar is a Christian liberal arts school in Nairobi, Kenya. Afrizo sings music from South, Central, and East Africa that is strongly based on African traditions.
“I heard a group of younger kids kind of like this before at my church and they were really good,”said freshman Jacie White. “I’m excited to see what Afrizo will be like.”
The group is directed by Hellen Mtawali. Mtawali is well known in Kenya for composing songs in many different African languages. Afrizo’s music blends English, Swahili and other tribal languages. The music also involves dance and story-telling that demonstrates the ways in which Daystar provides servant leaders for Africa.
Afrizo is currently in the middle of its third U.S. tour.
“I’m going because I like the sound of this type of music. It’s pretty chill and I think it will be interesting,” said freshman Paige Machado.
Members Afrizo are also excited to be singing and sharing.
“It is so much fun to sing. I love singing, and being on stage. Worshipping is one of the best experiences I have had,” said Afrizo member David Onyando.
Emmanuel, anotherAfrizo member said, “The best thing about being in this group is that I get an opportunity to share Jesus Christ with others. It’s also lots of fun to travel and experience new cultures, new trends and see new and different people.”
This will be Afrizo’s first visit to Orange City and NW is looking forward to welcoming them.
“I think Afrizo is going to be awesome!” said sophomore Alli Dunkelberger.
