CAS Community Spotlight
Pazeni Sauti Africa Choir and Eric Murianki (Director) 
Eric Murianki is Director of Pazeni Sauti and a graduate research assistant at the Center for Arts, Migration, and Entrepreneurship (CAME). Previously, he studied at Kenyatta University, Kenya. He is now completing his PhD in Music Education through the UF School of Music. Pazeni Sauti Africa Choir’s purpose is to enjoy and make known the choral music and traditions of Africa. ‘Pazeni sauti’ is a Swahili phrase that means ‘project your voices.’ The choir was formed in 2009 and is now in its 13th year.
Murianki shared that anyone can join Pazeni Sauti—there is no music theory nor signing experience needed to participate. He asserted, “No matter the degree program you are in, as long as you can talk, then you can sing with us!” Students can join the choir as an extracurricular or enroll and get a credit for participating. Murianki argues that there are numerous benefits of joining the Africa choir. Apart from the joy of making music, one gets to learn a lot more about different African cultures and traditions, languages, songs, and dances. Most importantly, it helps people meet and make connections, travel etc.
As Director, Murianki does a lot of research on African composers and arrangers, and their music to identify the tunes that may be appropriate for Pazeni Sauti. Since learning different African languages can be a challenge, he mostly chooses simple songs that are easy to learn but are entertaining. He noted that sometimes members bring suggestions of songs they have heard before too—he’ll find their scores and the choir will learn these songs as well.
Murianki shared that he loves everything about Pazeni Sauti—meeting his choir members, chatting, and learning—it warms his heart. He feels that singing is the best way to relax and reflect on the beauty in diversity. Every Friday (practices are usually once a week on Fridays from 5-6:45pm) is a smiling day for him.
Interested in learning more and/or joining? Contact Eric Murianki (Director) at muriankie@ufl.edu.