- Several difficulties encountered by individuals with albinism in Kenya are similar to those that Meshack Sisenda Wekesa, known as Mesh HolyKid, faced during his childhood.
- It was following this experience that Mesh HolyKid decided to pursue a career in music, mainly to tackle the stigma associated with albinism.
- He uses music to carry out his advocacy, aiming for it to eventually eliminate the myths and misunderstandings surrounding people with albinism.
If perseverance was embodied in a person, it would be Meshack Sisenda Wekesa, an individual with albinism from Bidii ward in Kwanza Constituency, located in Trans Nzoia county.
A 25-year-old individual is a supporter of the rights of those with disabilities and promotes inclusivity. He does this via his music.
The motivation for Mesh HolyKid's campaign against the stigma surrounding albinism
In a special conversation withDaily News.co.ke, Sisenda, widely recognized under his stage name Mesh HolyKid, mentioned that following the completion of his secondary schooling, he faced the challenging aspects of the entertainment industry, which had a significant impact on him.
"As someone living with albinism, I encountered not only the challenges of everyday life but also the myths, misunderstandings, and stigma surrounding it. I felt compelled to speak up and increase awareness. Therefore, along with a close friend who is visually impaired, I wrote and recorded a song called Albinism in 2019," Mesh HolyKid stated.
The track aimed to question the misconceptions about their condition and emphasize the truth of experiencing albinism.
He mentioned that the song served as his personal and impactful message to Kenyans and the global audience, highlighting the challenges individuals with albinism encounter in their daily lives.
The quiet 2024 graduate of Tangaza University in journalism mentioned that his music career gained fame in June 2021 after his song about albinism was aired on a national television channel.
"That instant marked a significant shift. It strengthened my determination to utilize my music as a means of promotion, to highlight Albinism, and to advocate for individuals with disabilities. From that point on, I have dedicated myself to making sure my voice is recognized, not only within the music industry but also in the struggle for fairness and acceptance," he stated.
The artist, nevertheless, has experienced his own set of difficulties throughout his professional journey and activism.
He remembers being deceived by a music producer who claimed to assist him with one of his projects. Securing a chance to perform has also been another difficulty for him.
"Event organizers frequently concentrate on my disability, perceiving it as a restriction instead of an integral aspect of my identity. Certain individuals question my capabilities, and this is discouraging," Sisenda mentioned.
Although facing these difficulties, the musician remains committed to overcoming perceived limits and altering views on albinism and disabilities as a whole.
The emerging musician, who has thus far released two solo tracks and five featured appearances, is convinced that he can leverage music to bring about global change.
"As I keep moving along my journey in music and activism, I am aware that the path ahead won't always be easy. However, with my music, my voice, and my strong message, I will continue to move forward. In my Daily NewsSawa (We Are Equal) project, I convey the message that no one should be left out," he said.Daily News.co.ke.
As stated by the artist, the project, which merges music with spoken word, goes beyond being just a song or show; it serves as a representation of his personal journey, challenges, and successes within the demanding industry.
How did Mesh HolyKid begin his musical journey?
Mesh HolyKid found his love for music in 2017 when he would write and perform songs created by his mentor, Eko Dydda. He began recording himself during the holiday season. His first song, called 'Yahweh,' was recorded in December 2017, with the help of his mother, Caro Wasike.
"I took on both parental roles for him. I stood by him, his brother, and his sister. From the day Mesh entered my life, I noticed something truly special in him, and I backed his music career. By the way, I am his biggest fan," Caro said.Daily News.co.ke.
The young musician was among the 58 Digital Democracy Fellows in the 2024 group of the Constitution and Reform Education Consortium (CRECO) fellowship.
He mentioned that the fellowship enabled him to utilize digital technologies to promote the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities in society.
Mesh HolyKid has received multiple accolades for his activism. He was recognized as the top dancer at the Uhai Festival in 2021 and was awarded the Differently Abled Personality of the Western Region Gospel Music Awards in 2024.
He is also among the contenders for the 2025 Sifa Talents Awards in the Differently Abled Personality category.
"To those who believe the myth that albinism is a curse, I want them to understand that the only difference between people with albinism and others is the lack of melanin that provides skin its color, yet we are all equal," Mesh HolyKid stated.
As per the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census report, there were 9,729 individuals with albinism in Kenya. This marked the initial inclusion of albinism in the census.