Mr Masango teaches music at Northgate and was recently interview by Jack who is a new member of the Northgate News Team. Here’s what Jack had to say after his interview.
I want to tell you some things about Mr Masango. Well, he is practically everyone’s music teacher, and I have interviewed him and done some research on him. This has been a long time in the making and I have selected some interesting answers he gave.
What is his favourite instrument?
His favourite and first instrument is the balafon, an old instrument from the times of the West African Mande, Senoufo and Gur peoples. The first balafon was most likely produced in the 12th century or earlier, it has 21 keys and is considered to be related to the xylophone.
What did he do before teaching in school and what is he doing today?
During our interview, Mr Masango said that he had actually played professional football for a short period of time and he now plays music and goes to concerts as a professional. His genre is considered “Afro-Fusion”.
What is his background?
During my time researching Mr Masango, I discovered that he has quite an interesting back story. He was born in Cameroon, and for much of his childhood he was mainly focused on football. He later moved to Bishop Rogan minor seminary where Mr Masango would be introduced to classical music for several years. He was soon discovered as a xylophone virtuoso, doing well at school, becoming a music prefect for the majority of the years there. He later moved to Abu Dhabi and went on to study music further at the New York University Abu Dhabi.
[Source is https://www.musicinafrica.net/directory/obaseaboli-official]
What would he teach if he did not teach music?
Nothing!
Does he have any other hobbies apart from music?
Music is not a hobby to me. It is a lifestyle and a companion. My hobbies are football, reading and silence.
What is his favourite song and is there an artist that inspires him?
‘If I die young’ by the band Perry and I am inspired very much by the creativity of Bobby McFerin.
Did he have any other jobs before becoming a teacher?
I have always been a teacher from immediately after secondary education either full time or part time but I have also worked as an IATA flight operations officer and Airport operations
What is the best thing about Northgate?
Most of the children are the loveliest Teletubbies ever!
Mr Masango’s story is truly inspiring, and as I finish this article, I want you to encourage you to be the best version of you. Whether you want to be a footballer, a musician, a teacher, or something else!