CultureALL Ambassador Josie Shaw was raised in a small Kenyan town of Kapsabet. In the Luhya culture of Western Kenya, when a couple has their first child, there is a special song they sing to celebrate the birth. Either a boy or girl, the special song honors the child. It is sung again and again throughout their life as they celebrate milestones and achievements. ‍

In this workshop, Josie invites participants to join her as they sing this song, titled MWANA WA MBERI, which translates to First-born Child. The group selects one participant to represent “the firstborn" who is dressed in traditional clothing and seated in a place of honor to become the central figure in this festive ceremonial dance.

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