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Life Onboard |
LAST UPDATE
February 26, 2006
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| January 12, 2006 |
The Creation of a Peace Boat Legend – Peter Orwa and the Peter Band |
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| Peter Orwa, on the microphone, shares his life story with Peace Boat participants |
Raised in a humble environment in rural Kenya, a young Peter Orwa was determined to find a way out. So, like many other African youths, he pursued a career in sports – boxing to be exact. His unyielding dedication and hard work took him to the 1972 Munich Olympics, where he proudly represented his country in the middle-weight class. Against the odds, Peter earned a Bronze medal for his country. But, upon his return to Kenya, he felt such disappointment with his result that he quit boxing and began working random jobs. Peter mostly earned his living as a prison guard, but also began pursuing his interest in traditional African music and dance; which eventually led to a few performances in Nairobi. |
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| George Nina, Peter Orwa and Eric Mwangi (from left to right) during their first outdoor performance |
It was in one of these appearances that Peter befriended a Japanese man who was stunned by the show and offered him a spot to perform in a hotel in Tochigi, Japan. With nothing to lose, he accepted and moved to this far away land. Once established in his new home country, Peter found new inspiration and besides performing, began boxing again in competitions organized by the Japanese Boxing Commission. Peter became such a personality in Japan that his voice, music and persona were used in several TV and radio commercials, especially as he became fluent in Japanese. But, after a few years, Peter decided to move back to his homeland where his family and friends awaited him. |
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| Eric Mwangi, the youngest member of the band, dazzles the audience with his djembe skills |
Destiny, however, works in mysterious ways. In the spring of 2000, as Peace Boat was docked in Mombassa, Kenya, word spread among the staff members that a different ship arriving in Mombasa from Singapore included a talented musical group from Kenya known as Peter’s Band. Hence, the idea arose to possibly bring the band onboard the Peace Boat. Peace Boat staff member Kushibuchi Mari, however, did not believe trying was good enough. |
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| Gordon Ochieng leads a dance workshop |
Peter claims Ms. Kushibuchi hunted him down as he disembarked and begged him to come onboard the MV Olvia. The band, however, were on their way to South Africa that same evening. But somehow, she coerced him to come onboard. As Peter recalls: “This woman would just not take no for an answer! She jumped in our bus headed to the airport and eventually we caved in. I had to see for myself what this Peace Boat thing was all about.” The band members postponed their flight for the next morning, and the show that night was an absolute success. In addition to the amazing talent of the band, another unexpected surprise was revealed during the performance – Peter was fluent in Japanese! Since that magical night, Peter’s Band has continually been one of the highlights of the global voyages, which regularly include a visit to Mombasa. |
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| Members of Peter’s Band conduct a Swahili language lesson in preparation for Kenya |
After his return to Kenya, Peter developed a Conqueror Tours and Safaris which has worked for many years in tandem with Peace Boat to develop exposure programs. The eco-friendly lodges and varied activities provide participants with a blend of knowledge comprising environmental and social issues, along with stimulating cultural performances. But while onboard from Singapore to Mombasa, Peter and the rest of his current band members provide Peace Boat participants with more than just electrifying performances. George Nina, Gordon Ochieng, Eric Mwangi and Peter himself often lead workshops on Swahili language, Djembe drums, African dance lessons, and provide lectures regarding environmental issues as well as the wild life of their beautiful country. |
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