My grandfather, Raphael Nazareth, went to Kenya from Goa in 1875 on a dhow. He sent for his brother two years later. Together, they went into business as the Nazareth Brothers. Starting as caterers for the British Army during the building of the Uganda railway, they brought in over a hundred chefs and stewards from Goa for the working coolies. Later, expanding their reach, the brothers became the first supermarket owners in Nairobi. A General of the British Army was once quoted as saying that the pair should be knighted by the Queen for dispensing and selling toilet paper, a rare commodity in those time!
When people talk about the Indian or South Asian contribution to Kenya they are most likely to speak of commercial life and the building of the Uganda Railway. Few, if any modern Kenyans, will recall members of the South Asian community such as Goans Fritz DeSouza, Pio Gama Pinto (who was assassinated for his efforts), Manilal Desai, John De Souza and others who made huge sacrifices and personal contributions to the struggle for independence.
My second cousin, John Maximian (Mackie) Nazareth, author of the book ‘Brown Man Black Country “ On The Foothills of Uhuru’, was born in 1908 in Nairobi. He completed law in the UK, started his own practice in Nairobi and was appointed Queens Council. He went on to become Ag. Puine Judge of the High Court of Kenya in 1954 before being elected president of the Law Society of Kenya.
A passionate believer in the equality of all people irrespective of race, religion, colour or tribe, he wanted every so-called freedom fighter to obtain a free and fair trial, a difficult proposition in pre-independence times. Without Asian participation in the political process, Kenya’s independence would have been compromised. Mackie made common cause with African leadership and it was this Indian-African solidarity front that hastened independence in 1963, as told in full in his book.
Both my parents were born in Kenya, and didn’t return to Goa except for a few, short, memorable holidays.
My maiden name is Jacquelin Nazareth; it is also my pen name. Born in Kenya but of Goan descent, I was based in Vienna and recently moved to Goa.
Although by profession a multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter of international repute, I am also a very passionate eco-activist, a published author/ illustrator with books in Kenya’s school science curriculum, and was an Eco columnist for one of its local newspapers.
Looking to expedite awareness on marine pollution to impact both primary and secondary students, one of the books I authored and illustrated in Kenya, is a heartwarming, motivational activity book. It is inspired by real events and based on the consequences of careless littering. I am happy to say that the colouring book, along with its very own accompanying board game, ‘Trash Me’ were approved and recommended by Kenya Wildlife & Marine Services, CORDEO E.Africa and others. They are used in various schools from Africa to Austria, who also, strangely, have turtles under threat. This is testament to the effectiveness of educational resources in promoting ocean conservation and raising awareness on marine pollution.
Aiming to make these resources freely available for families and schools, I have narrated and dramatised the book with extra cinema sound effects. It can be viewed directly on this link YouTube.com/TheForestSinger
Having recently acquired our OCI, my Viennese husband Peter and I came to Goa, not for the first time, mind you, at the beginning of November last year. We have performed at private parties. We are learning that Goa has its own snail’s pace at attending to, and accomplishing matters.
(The writer is a singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, eco-activist & author)
