Faith Kansiime is a 16-year-old member of Spirit of Uganda and one of the troupe’s great personalities. We sat down with her recently to let you get to know her.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
My name is Kansiime Faith. I have one sibling, Phylis Asiimire, who is 10. My hobbies include getting mail, making friends, learning about other cultures, touring and writing poetry. I love basketball, soccer, and dancing too. I am 16 years old and my birthday is February 20th
How would you describe yourself in a word?
(She uses her hands to stress the words, says the words with conviction and then laughs shyly) A girl with passion!
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
(With a distant look on her face) I see myself as a famous poet. I would one day like to publish my poems. I could also write lyrics for songs. I will still dance, but I will do it as a hobby. I would also like to be a social worker because I like helping people and counseling them. I know my experiences will help a lot of people.
With whom did you live before you joined Empower African Children?
(She hesitates, pausing in thought.) Hmmm…my sister Phyllis and I have always lived with my Grandma, Mrs. Kahororo Mary. I don’t know why we never lived with my parents, but it’s a topic that my grandma would rather not discuss with us, so we don’t ask a lot of questions, because then she gets upset.
How did you get into professional dancing?
My uncle, Mr. Humphrey Nuwamanya, was a trainer with the troupe called Musica Parsarva Vidas that toured in Spain. My sister and I performed with the group and traveled twice to Spain. I had performed several times in school shows and my uncle saw my talent and that’s how I got into his dance troupe.
How did you join Empower African Children?
(She smiles.) My uncle is friends with David Kasata, who is also a trainer and assistant to Peter Kasule, the artistic director of Empower African Children. He asked my uncle if I could join Empower African Children after I left Musica Parsarva Vidas.
Has HIV/AIDS impacted you?
Yes. I lost an uncle to AIDS in 2005. He had some money and he had promised to take care of me when AIDS snatched him from me.
How do you feel empowered on this tour?
I have had a chance to perform in the most amazing theatres and for the nicest audiences. That has boosted my self-esteem and confidence. I feel that what I do may touch some one and change them forever and when the audience is enjoying our performances, I feel so good. I also feel very loved and cared for by Empower African Children.
What has been your best and memorable moment on stage?
When we are through with a performance, many times we get standing ovations. This is my best moment. I see peoples’ happy faces and they wave at us and that makes me really proud of me and all my brothers and sisters who are with me on stage. I actually don’t feel tired, even though the dances I do are really vigorous. I feel — I feel like I did it.
What’s the most interesting thing you have seen so far in the USA?
The tunnel that goes through Hudson River was pretty amazing. I have never seen anything like it before. The New York skyscrapers also are amazing… (she laughs)…and the huge screens on the side of the buildings. There’s so much!
What has been your favorite city so far?
I loved all the places I have been to, but I have loved New York best because it’s crowded — like Kampala, our capital city. It kind of feels like home. Chinatown also felt like home because I could bargain on almost everything I wanted to buy!
If you had one wish, what would it be?
(Faith seems shy about answering this one and takes time to think about it, before playfully breaking into a song: “I wish I could fly like an angel…”)
I would have loved for my sister and me to be raised by both my parents, because nothing compares to the love that your parents give you. I really feel loved by all the children and people who work with Empower African Children, but still I miss that motherly love and relationship that I could have had with my mother.
A poem by Faith:
Life
From weary to strong
Poor to rich
Unhealthy to healthy
Ugly to beautiful
Gave a hand, came in passion.
My togetherness kept me going.
Till now found that
Was lost but now newly found
and branded.
Unblinded and has a future
Has a vision and dream
What an achievement
Faith Kansiime
Faith - I just saw the performance last evening in Portsmouth, VA and I was absolutely amazed- so proud and impressed by all of you. The girls especially were so full of life and joy! I know I am not the first one to tell you that your beautiful smiles mean so much to the audience who are so sad about your circumstances and your struggles. When you have life and hope and joy, then we do too! I brought with me a young man, 16, and his grandmother who is rearing him. In a sense he is an orphan too, and is struggling hard to be strong and keep his focus. He is a poet too, who tries to describe his life and inspire others with his hopes and his thoughts. All of you impressed him greatly and he thanked me over and over again for bringing him. God Bless all of you!!!
Posted by: Carole | April 21, 2008 at 07:49 AM