From street child to computer guru, gospel artiste

Samuel Kantai, 24, had a difficult childhood — he grew up in a broken home and spent three years as a street boy before he was taken to an orphanage. But these experiences, he says, have only served to make him stronger. Today, he works as a computer programmes assistant and is also a gospel musician.

Who is Durvinoh Kantai?

I am — Durvinoh is the name I use on stage. It’s coined from the words ‘Doing Very Nice oh!’ Kantai is my family name. I chose the name Durvinoh because I believe I do well in everything I put my mind to.

What does your 8-to-5 job involve?

I do computer maintenance and software analysis and testing in Nairobi’s Githurai 44 area. I acquired IT skills from an online course I took with the global learning community, Alison; it has really empowered me.

What is your After 5 business?

I am a gospel artiste. I record my music at Chase Inc, which is located in Githurai 44. I write my own lyrics. I have worked with non-profit organisations at events for underprivileged individuals to encourage them that there is more to life and to make them more productive.

I have been able to make some money from this, which has kept me pushing on.

You had a difficult upbringing, how did you overcome it to become who you are today?

I grew up in a broken family. My parents parted ways when I was five, and my five siblings and I were left under the care of my mother. After living for three years with my mother, who was struggling to feed all of us, the situation became unbearable and we were forced to survive on our own.

At eight, I started living in the streets. After three tough years roaming on the streets of Kitengela and being shunned by society, the Lord smiled on me and I met Jamii Bora founder Ingrid Munro in 2001. She took me to the Jamii Bora Boys orphanage in Kitengela, now in Kisaju.

I started getting an education and my life began taking shape and acquiring meaning. I became interested in music in Class 7 while in the school choir and did a course in computer programming after my Form Four exams.

My advice to someone who is in my kind of situation? Just because you cannot see the horizon does not mean you lost your way; hold on.

Who are your key clients?

Very many individuals have inadequate skills in using computer programmes and are unsure of the kind of equipment to use. I make my money by educating such people and small organisations that are computerising their operations but are not sure what kind of machines and programmes they need.

Your biggest challenges?

My greatest challenge has been finding proper music management. Also, music is yet to pay me enough to pay my bills, so I am forced to juggle several jobs and cannot fully concentrate on it.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

The growth of a business depends on its networks, and with the networks I’m building and the music I’m doing, I strongly believe that I will go far.

What is your main inspiration?

It is difficult to catch a break as a startup artiste in the Kenyan music industry. However, I am inspired by the individuals who have made it after a lot of hustling. I am inspired knowing that when the time is right, I will shine and my dreams will come true.

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