our roots

Afrizo’s
US Tour
By Brian Osweta
“…whether they were singing on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City,
recording a program for a Moody Radio in Chicago, singing with the Church choir in a Church
in Phoenix or New Jersey, performing a concert in South Carolina or Philadelphia, serving at
a homeless shelter in Minneapolis or even visiting Disneyland in Los Angeles, Afrizo touched
hearts wherever they went.”
These words by Dr. Kathleen Johnson;
Daystar US executive director, best
describe the 2014 Afrizo US tour.
Afrizo team embarked on their US tour
from September 9, 2014 to November
12, 2014. The aim of the tour was to
raise scholarship funds, through music
and dance, for the financially challenged
students at Daystar University. With
the help of tour coordinator Jennifer
Randolph and Dr. Kathleen Johnson, in
two and a half months the Afrizo team,
comprising of Daystar University students;
Aseli Mujukane, Brian Osweta, Manasseh
Shalom, Peter Chege, Falonne Tshizemba,
Grace Mwamuye and Lenah Adhiambo,
and the team leader, Mrs. Hellen Mtawali,
who is also a staff at Daystar University
staff, traversed 10 cities in 9 different
states. Some of the cities visited by Afrizo
team included Minneapolis, MN, Chicago,
IL, Philadelphia PA, Montclair, NJ, New
York City, NY, Clemson and Charleston SC,
Dallas TX, Scottsdale, AZ and finally Los
Angeles, CA.
According to Dr. Kathleen, the team
managed to raise a total of $335,000
which included a $150,000 pledge to be
paid over a period of four years. After
expenses, the net proceeds including
the $150,000 pledge was approximately
$250,000. Apart from fundraising, the
team also managed to create good and
lasting relationships with Churches and
universities across the USA.
The Afrizo 2014 team had their
indelible moments when they got to
sing before the retired USA President,
George Bush Jr. and his wife Laura Bush at
AFRIZO in action during their 2015 US tour.
Highland Park United Methodist Church in Since 2007, Afrizo has so far made four
Dallas, TX. “I just could not believe my eyes tours to the USA with the same purpose;
when President Bush approached me and to raise funds to aid the financially
gave me a hand shake, never have I felt challenged students. “I think this trip was
so great,” said Brian Aseli, one of the team well planned compared to the others,” said
members. Another key person that Afrizo Mrs Mtawali, adding that at least this time
met while in the US was Chuck Norris aka they used air travel across the USA instead
Walker Texas Ranger, during their visit to of road. She greatly appreciated the
Disney Land in Los Angeles, CA.
support of the Corporate Affairs Manager,
According to the team leader, Mrs Mr Charles Kilonzo, who joined the team
Hellen Mtawli, the team exhibited servant later. Earlier trips took place in 2007, 2009
leadership and modeled the mission
and 2011.
of Daystar University in schools, hotels,
restaurants, universities, hospitals,
Churches and homes in all the nine
States.
48 • DaystarConnect 2015