HOW MUSIC IS UNLOCKING POTENTIAL FOR YOUNG VOICES IN WEST NILE

Aitasi Josana Possible (8 years old, youngest gospel singer) alongside her mentor Alice Drijaru the first and oldest gospel artist in West Nile region.

By Dramadri Federick

Arua City

For some children, music is more than entertainment. It is a platform for self-expression, confidence-building and the discovery of talents that could shape their future.

Across schools, places of worship, and community stages worldwide, music serves as a universal language. It offers young people a powerful platform to discover their identity, build self-confidence, and share their gifts with the world.

In Arua City, located in the West Nile region of Northern Uganda, this transformative power is taking center stage through a remarkable cross-generational partnership. Eight-year-old Aitasi Josana Possible, the youngest gospel artist in the region, is captivating audiences alongside Alice Drijaru, a pioneer celebrated as one of West Nile’s earliest gospel music figures. Together, their story demonstrates what happens when raw talent meets dedicated mentorship.

Aitasi’s artistic journey began when she was just four years old. Her father, Stephen Pelendu a local gospel musician known by his stage name Brother Stephen noticed that his daughter possessed a natural sense of rhythm and an ear for melody. “I saw her potential early on when she would instinctively dance and sing along to music around the house,” Stephen recalls.

Recognizing that raw enthusiasm needed structured guidance, Stephen decided to look for a mentor who could teach Aitasi the fundamentals of vocal discipline and performance. Inspired by her father’s music and drawn to the powerful vocals of Alice Drijaru, Aitasi embraced the opportunity to learn.

Now a Primary 3 pupil at St. Jildo Nursery and Primary School in Arua City, Aitasi balances her schoolwork with vocal rehearsals. Despite her rising popularity on regional radio, entertainment events and church stages, she maintains a grounded vision for her future.

“The song I love most to perform that I sung is ‘I’ve Made a Choice to Follow Christ,’” Aitasi says. “Writing and singing gospel songs makes me feel close to God, we write together with my mentor and sometimes my dad. I love singing because my dad sings, but when I grow up, I also want to be a nurse so I can help people.”

For veteran artist Alice Drijaru, guiding an eight-year-old through the creative process requires a careful balance of patience, encouragement, and professional discipline.

“When I first saw Aitasi’s gift, I knew she had something special,” Drijaru explains. “I approached her father and asked if we could collaborate. The response from the community has been overwhelming, people love her voice and the message she carries. It proves how much untapped talent exists in our children. They simply need adults willing to hold their hands and guide them.”

Drijaru works step-by-step with Aitasi in Songwriting, tailoring lyrics and melodies so they remain age-appropriate yet meaningful. Additionally, she teaches breathing techniques, pitch control, and confidence in front of large crowds.

As well as walking her through professional recording sessions to build familiarity with music technology. Through this structured approach, Aitasi is developing skills that extend far beyond the stage including discipline, teamwork, public speaking, and focus in her studies.

Local music and film producer Godfrey Andabati known professionally as Rock Foundation has produced several tracks featuring children and young artists. He believes Aitasi’s story highlights a broader need for arts education in Ugandan schools and communities.

“As parents and educators, our biggest challenge is often recognizing what a child actually needs to thrive,” says Andabati. “When a child shows an interest in creative arts, we need structured programs to support them early on.”

The growth of young talent comes at a time when Uganda’s creative sector is expanding rapidly.

According to data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), the nation’s entertainment and arts industry is valued at over 195 billion Ugandan Shillings (approximately $52 million USD) annually, driven by rising investments in digital media, live performances, and local production.

For children like Aitasi, music is far more than entertainment. It is a tool for self-discovery, character building, and an early foundation for lifelong success.

Written by newsroom-radiopacis