This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
'Embalasasa': Healing Scars of Child Soldiers, HIV
Listen
0:00
Listen
African children who have been forced to kill as soldiers are not a lost generation, according to Ugandan musician Samite. The acclaimed singer and instrumentalist talks about how Africa's child soldiers inspired much of his latest CD, Embalasasa, and about his broader mission to help young African victims of war.
Samite was born and raised in Uganda, where his grandfather taught him to play the traditional flute. In 1982 he fled to Kenya as a political refugee and continued his musical instruction. He now entertains audiences worldwide with vocals in his mother tongue, Luganda, and original compositions played on kalimba (finger piano), marimba (wooden xylophone), litungu (a seven-stringed Kenyan instrument) and traditional and Western flutes.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. 9(MDA1OTI3MjQ5MDEyODUwMTE2MzM1YzNmZA004))
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
