Narok group to perform during Global Entrepreneurship Summit

Members of Olalang Foundation after rehearsing at Maji Moto in Narok County. The group will perform a Maasai traditional dance for US President Barack Obama during his visit. [Photo: Charles Ngeno/Standard]

A Maasai traditional dance group has landed a rare chance to entertain US President Barack Obama during his visit.

Olalang Foundation, which has 15 dancers, will be among music groups that will perform during the official opening of the Global Entrepreneurship Conference.

The group’s Director Gideon Gitare described the chance as a great honour to them and the Maasai community.

“We feel highly honoured to be among the few groups that will entertain President Obama,” said Gitare Sunday during their rehearsal at Maji Moto in Narosura, Narok County.

He revealed they will use the occasion to plead with Obama to lift the travel advisory the US government imposed on its citizens following terror attacks.

“The Maasai culture has always been used to market Kenya’s tourism and that is what we will be showcasing. Tourism has taken a major hit from terrorism and travel advisories,” said Mr Gitare.

The group will also present a beaded Maasai club to Obama.

Great leader

“Among the Maasai, a club is a symbol of authority and leadership. Obama is charismatic and has also demonstrated that he is a great leader,” he said, adding that the club has been decorated with American flag colours.

Gitare said he founded the group two years ago to give the youth an opportunity to showcase their talents.

“Most of these youths were unemployed and I brought them together under Olalang Foundation. They have been entertaining tourists at the Mara and have been invited to perform before high profile dignitaries in the country,” he said.

James Karkar, a member of the group, also welcomed the opportunity to perform during the upcoming summit.

“I never imagined I will get a chance even to be close to Obama let alone entertaining him. If possible, we will also use the opportunity to invite him to visit Maasai Mara,” said Karkar.