Introduction
Songs That Live (STL) is a group of musicians drawn from several Believers Churches across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Our primary mission is “Reviving Forgotten Hymns”, wherein we record Christian hymns from ages past, to ensure this and the future generations don’t forget them just like that.
Mission Statement
To spread the timeless truth of the gospel through music, creativity, and fellowship—reaching hearts across the world.
Vision Statement
To be a global beacon of gospel music that inspires worship, unites believers, and brings the message of Christ to every corner of the world.
Our Story
It was one Sunday morning in church at Capstone Faith Ministries, Mbotela. Pastor Obadiah Kamwati really wanted to sing one of the hymns in our Only Believe Song Books, but, unfortunately, no one knew the tune.
And so, it just struck me: Many of the hymns in our song books are simply there as decoration. While we have thousands of hymns, the average church goer knows just a handful.
And at the rate we’re forgetting them, there’s a likelihood that the coming generations won’t know these songs. Yet they’re the most spiritual and inspiring songs ever written in Christian history.
And so I purposed in my heart to record as many of these songs as possible, so that whoever wants to sing them can do so in the right tune.
Our Values
Faith – Our foundation is Jesus Christ, and we seek to honor Him in every performance, recording, and interaction.
Authenticity – We sing with sincerity, ensuring each hymn reflects genuine worship from the heart.
Excellence – We strive for the highest quality in sound, performance, and presentation, offering our best to God and our audience.
Community – We believe music unites people, building a shared space where believers can worship and grow together.
Heritage Preservation – We are committed to keeping timeless Christian hymns alive, passing them on to future generations as treasures of faith.
What We Do & How We Do It
Songs That Live is divided into 4 main departments:
1. Camping Team
This team comprises singers and instrumentalists from across Kenya and neighbouring countries like Uganda and Tanzania. Through this team, we hold our main recording events on the last weekend of the months of January, April, July, and October. All these recording sessions are done in a camp setting.
The camps rotate between the three East African countries Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, as well as neighbouring ones like Rwanda. For every country we visit, we intend to hold the camp in a different area every time, so that over the coming years we will have travelled the entire country. Think of it as having fun while making music.
2. Studio Team
Our studio team comprises singers and instrumentalists within and around Eldoret who can attend practice sessions regularly, usually 2 to 4 times monthly.
During these sessions, our team members get to learn deep concepts in their instrument of choice. These lessons have transformed many aspiring instrumentalists into pro players and they’re now serving in their various churches.
3. Wedding Team
Our wedding band is focused on performing live during weddings. This creates the much-needed atmosphere of joy, love, and heartfelt worship. We blend timeles Christian hymns with carefully selected love songs that reflect the beauty of marriage and God’s design for it.
This team travels widely across Kenya as we get invited to numerous weddings from all corners. We’ve so far become know for musical excellence and the ability to infuse every wedding with warmth, reverence, and a touch of elegance that leaves lasting memories.
4. Mother Tongue Team
We don’t just record songs in English. We believe in the beauty of everyone worshipping God in their local language. This connects the heart more deeply to God and allows the message of the Gospel to resonate across cultures and generations.
We’re still building this team, as we’re looking to have hymns in as many local languages as possible.
Our Team
Kosome Akako – Director
I guess my dad had the largest collection of music cassettes in those early 90s years. And that’s what we grew listening to in our family of six- the sweet oldies done in the preceeding years. Little did I know I’d take keen interest in music.
Towards the end of my high school years, that time of final exams, the plenty of free time we enjoyed allowed me to start exploring the keyboard, under the guidance of one Muturi, our C.U. keyboardist. This brief encounter sparked even greater interest.
So, once out of high school, I spent lots of time in our Kiserian church learning the keyboard. And soon aftwerward while I was in second year at Moi University, my mom bought me my first keyboard – Yamaha PSR-223. This perfectly ushered me into the world of music – I could spend hours getting those basics right.
And now, more than 15 years later, I have so many friends across Kenya who have grown musically under my guidance. And I’m still at it – raising able instrumentalists for the advancement of the Gospel truth through music.
Mercy Mutei – Organist
Mercy Mutei…
Amiel Baraka – Future Musician – Drummer? Bassist?
I am the director’s first son. Dad always takes me to the numerous music events he holds every other weekend.
Being in this environment consistently has kinda influenced me to learn these instruments.
So far, my favorite is the drums coz I just take the sticks and beat those things whichever way I feel like. When dad complains of noise, I have to retreat to the keyboard against my wish. But I still manage to make little sense out of it, though I know nothing about chords or notes.
When I grow up, I guess I’ll be in a position to understand this music stuff so I can be part of dad’s band. That assures me of many trips across Kenya and beyond.
Caleb Mburu – Sound Engineer / Grand Pianist
Caleb Mburu is…
Shiko Bella – Lead Vocalist / Violinist / Designer
Shiko Bella is…
Matthew Mwangi – Drummer
Matthew Mwangi is…
Becky – Backup Vocalist
Becky is…
Friends of STL
Over the years, we’ve been blessed with special Friends of Songs That Live—people who have faithfully stood with us in our journey. They always show up at our gigs and participate as instrumentalists or singers.
They always help plan our events in terms of transportation of sound equipment and instruments, videography, photography, design of event posters, stage setting, etc. They also encourage us with kind words and prayers.
Their support has truly been an anchor to our ministry. Every note we sing and every stage we step onto is richer because of their presence. Together, we continue to make music that uplifts hearts, honors God, and keeps the heritage of worship alive.
Silas Korir – Grand Pianist
Grace Otieno – Singer
Otaget Faith – Singer
