Kevin Akumonyo Kimtai, Director

Place of Origin: Kenya

Major: Doctorate in Music Education

Interests in Pazeni Sauti: I enjoy having fun through creating music, getting to meet new friends, and expanding my network links.

Passion: My interests lie in the field of music research, choir directing, conducting, and music composition and arrangement.

Goals Post Graduation: To develop a rewarding professional career through music teaching, composition, arrangement, choir directing, and conducting while exploiting my skills and abilities and providing extensive career growth.

Michelle Z. Gibson, President

Place of Origin: Georgia, United States

Major: Doctorate in Music Education

Interests in Pazeni Sauti: I love performing music of various African cultures. I joined the group three years ago because I wanted a different type of musical experience than the traditional choirs, I had been a part of throughout my youth. I immediately fell in love with the community and musicality of Pazeni Sauti. Singing with this group is something I look forward to every week.

Passion: I adore making music with others and helping others to find their creative voices. Everyone is musical no matter where you come from. As a music educator, equity in the arts drives my research and teaching motivations, and I hope to continue that work in the future.

Goals Post Graduation: I hope to begin work as an assistant professor of music education where I can continue my research and mentor future music educators.

Christ Mane Belizaire, Director of Membership

Place of Origin: Haiti, a Caribbean nation rich in culture and history

Major: Doctorate in Plant Pathology, with a focus on understanding and combating plant diseases to ensure sustainable agriculture and food security

Interests in Pazeni Sauti: Passionate about African culture, Christ Mane joined Pazeni Sauti to honor her African heritage and ancestors. She enjoys singing in African languages, which allows her to celebrate her roots in a way that brings fulfillment to both the soul and spirit. She finds a meaningful connection in the music, which deepens her respect for African traditions and the cultural links between Africa and Haiti.

Passions: Music is a profound way for Christ Mane to express emotions and heritage, particularly through African songs that resonate deeply with her identity. She also embraces meditation as a tool for self-reflection, inner peace, and maintaining focus in both personal and academic pursuits.

Goals Post-Graduation: She aims to work in agricultural extension and outreach, providing communities with knowledge and resources for sustainable farming practices. She hopes to travel to Africa, where she can not only give back through her agricultural expertise but also connect directly with the continent that holds significant cultural and ancestral meaning for her.

Naa Akle Afriyie Okantey, Director of Outreach

Place of Origin: Ghana

Major: Masters in Ethnomusicology

Interests in Pazeni Sauti: Pazeni Sauti is an amazing community that gives her an opportunity to learn more about other African cultures. She loves to make music with others.

Goals Post-Graduation: She is excited to pursue her PhD in ethnomusicology after graduation.