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Spotlight on Sound: Abraham Mwinda

Meet Abraham Mwinda. Maybe you’ve seen him performing one of his songs, or working at University of Kentucky (UK) Hospital, or hanging around KRM’s Lexington office. He does it all! Abraham first came to Lexington in 2013. He was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and raised in Kenya where he grew up writing songs and playing music. His passion for making music started at the early age of seven when he began writing songs for what he called “free expression.” As a shy young boy, writing songs was Abraham’s way of saying what he wanted to say. He then began performing and competing in school competitions at the age of 15. However, when he moved to Lexington four years ago, he had completely given up music. “I quit because I didn’t feel like I was doing it for a meaningful purpose,” he says. But the next time he picked up his guitar and sang, it was very purposeful for him.

Abraham Mwinda performed at last year’s Passport to Flavor fundraiser. Photo Credit: Steve Pavey, 2016.

Now, Abraham says, “Music is more of a cause for me.” He tries to concentrate on a specific, important topic that he believes people need to hear. Through his music, Abraham brings people together that may have never come together otherwise. He says that everybody can jam to music, even if they don’t know what the music is saying. It is a way to break down cultural barriers and to encourage diversity. He compares the power of a three-minute song to a three-minute speech. Although people will listen to the speech, he notes the ease with which people can connect to music. With a song, “you can condense the message without diluting it,” he says. Abraham feels that he is making a difference and bringing people together through his music, even if it only reaches one person.

Abraham is also very involved with Kentucky Refugee Ministries. He was greeted by KRM staff members in the airport upon his arrival in Lexington and has stayed connected ever since. Even though he no longer receives services, he stays in touch and has made lasting, meaningful relationships. He performs at many KRM events in both Louisville and Lexington, and you can see him perform soon at our upcoming fundraiser, Passport to Flavor, on Friday, June 23. He also has an upcoming Dreamer Album Release concert coming up on July 29 at the Black Box Theater. Learn more about Abraham Mwinda’s music here.


passport to flavor

We invite you to join us for KRM Lexington’s annual fundraiser, Passport to Flavor, on Friday June 23 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Distillery Square. The event will allow you to experience the feel of an international night market featuring international sounds, sights, and tastes. We will have booths featuring food from Bosnia, the Congo, Cuba, Syria, and international desserts. Abraham Mwinda will be among performers at the event. Other activities include a silent auction, art display, craft and KRM T-shirt sales, photo booth, and henna. Reserve your tickets today!