In the heart of Kenya’s rural communities, melodies are healing wounds that words cannot. Lynnshosaha Foundation, led by Wickline Obong’o, is harnessing the power of music therapy to uplift the elderly, battling loneliness, neglect, and the silent weight of depression.
With a mission to restore joy, the foundation orchestrates live performances featuring nostalgic classics from the 1950s and 60s. Their recent event in Kibigori village, Muhoroni Sub-county, turned a sleepy town into a euphoric dance arena something even a dog joned to agree. Among the highlights was Simon Krebs, a German musician, whose timeless covers sparked an electrifying atmosphere, awakening long-lost dance moves in aging feet.
“We are here to remind our grandparents that they are cherished, that their memories matter, and that their spirits deserve to be lifted,” Obong’o shares.
The impact is profound. At 81, John Okello Ochola was transported to his youth by familiar tunes, finding solace amid grief and the loss of loved ones.
Across the globe, depression and anxiety haunt millions of older adults, but studies confirm that group arts interventions—like music—significantly enhance mental well-being.
In Kenya, where six percent of the population is aged 60 and above, poverty and limited healthcare access threaten their quality of life. Krebs, an advocate of musical therapy, has performed for elderly audiences in over 500 retirement homes worldwide. His journey now intertwines with Kenyan cultural vibrance, creating a space for joy, nostalgia, and social connection.
From Berlin to Mombasa, his music transcends generations, proving that harmony isn’t just heard—it’s felt. It revives souls, rekindles lost passions, and reminds us that even in aging, we can dance again.
Written by, Laban Shikokoti
