In Nairobi, a traditional dance group have put a new take on raising awareness for hypertension. Better known as high blood pressure, it mostly affects low- and middleincome countries in Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America and Southeast Asia, increasing risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure, often with no obvious symptoms until complications arise. World Hypertension Day, observed annually on 17 May, aims to build knowledge.
“To raise awareness of health issues, engage communities, preserve traditions, and follow in the footsteps of my father, is very special.” The Ensemble were formed during Covid by Gabriel Odhiambo Oduor in 2020. “We are a cultural music and dance group across Kenya. Rapala means ‘of many colours,’ says Gabriel. “Our aim is to combine ancestral music traditions with modern; using African drums,…