Mary Atieno | |
|---|---|
| Born | kirengo village -Nyanza |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Spouse | Alex Ominde |
| Children | Three |
| Awards | Groove Awards |
Mary Atieno is a Kenyan gospel musician, a pastor, and a teacher whose work spans over four decades. As a visually impaired woman, Mary has proved that disability is not inability. She was awarded an Outstanding Contributor category in the Groove Awards in 2012.
Mary Atieno was born in Kirengo village, Karungu in Nyatike District, Nyanza. She is the first child of nine siblings born to Francis Yara and Polina Ajwang. The father worked as a headmaster in various schools in Nyanza, and her biological mother was a housewife. [1] Mary was born blind, but her father realised it when she was five months old, which enabled him to plan her education since he was a teacher himself. [2] Mary joined Asumbi Mission School and then moved to St. Oda's Aluor Girls School for the Blind, where she joined a choir called Dodo. [1] She later joined Thika Salvation Army High School for the blind, before proceeding to Kenyatta University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Education. [2] While at these institutions, her passion for music thrived after she was miraculously healed of heart disease. In 1978, at the age of 17, Mary was diagnosed with heart disease, but doctors became sceptical about her chances of surviving the ailment. Mary explains how she sought refuge in Jesus. "I turned to prayer. I knew God created me and it was only He who could heal me, "I prayed. I promised God that if I got healed, I would serve Him for the rest of my life. He answered my prayer. When I went for another test, there was no problem at all with my heart. Subsequent tests have shown my heart is healthy." [1] Since then, Mary has been singing to date.
Mary embarked on a teaching career in 1998. She taught English and later transitioned to Christian Religious Education, teaching at Buruburu Girls Secondary School, Nairobi. [1] [2] [3] She started her music career in 1979 [4] [5] as a singer in Makwaya style choir, [6] making her the first solo woman gospel musician in Kenya. [7] Mary joined the International Fellowship of Christ (IFC) choir, [1] with whom she has managed to produce several albums. To date, Mary has released approximately fourteen albums. [2] In 2012, she won the Outstanding Contributor award in the Groove Awards, [2] a Kenyan annual Gospel award where the public chooses winners. Mary also pastors in the sanctuary of Hope, a worship center they established in 2001 together with her husband. [2]
Mary is married to Alex Ominde, and they have three children,daughters Melody, Harmony and a son Precious. [2]
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