Project Leader Biographies: One Vibe Entertainment
One Vibe Entertainment's Executive Director Simon Javan Okelo was born and raised in Kisumu, Kenya. While at Kisumu Boys’ High School, Simon was a boxer at Railway Boxing Club, through which he managed to get a scholarship to a college in Nairobi.He studied business at Railway Training Institute and was an actor at the Kenya National Theatre. While also in Nairobi, Simon worked as a DJ and MC.
On his return to Kisumu, Simon worked as an administrator at the Young Generation Centre, the orphanage home where he was raised. He continued his work on weekends as a DJ while also supplying music to other DJs in the area. He partnered with different DJs and sound system groups over the years, and realized the division between artists in the music community. His desire to unite various artists within his community inspired him to conceptualize “One Vibe”, a group that would bring together different souls with one mission—to unite artists and music enthusiasts through their shared love for the arts. Over the years, Simon continues to work with other nonprofit organizations operating in and around Africa. His work has brought him to Kenya, Malawi, South Sudan, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, and Liberia. He managed various community development projects from construction of schools to initiating Income Generating Businesses to sustain the projects. Simon now splits his time between the US and Kenya.
One Vibe's Program Director Maurice Omusolo was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. He attended primary and secondary school in Nairobi and Western Kenya. He studied Architectural draftsmanship at the Kenya polytechnic. He completed his studies and worked as a draftsman at Mauzito Engineers for four years. His interest in community development landed him an opportunity with ICROSS, an International relief organization based in Bungoma. He has experience in managing home-based care programs and working with community leadership to enhance the fight against disease and poverty.
Maurice enjoys working with the local people, and using their language and belief system to meet their needs. His passion for integrating cultural knowledge in bringing youths together connected him to One Vibe. He has been instrumental in developing One Vibe since its inception. Today, he is the Program Director. He coordinates all One Vibe activities in Kenya.