CARBON 14 GETS NEW HOPE AS PASTOR FROM CONGO STEPS IN WITH SUPPORT

By Peter Candia and Farish Majid | Daily West Nile

ARUA CITY — A story aired by NBS West Nile TV about the struggles of veteran West Nile musician Peter Ayiko, popularly known as Carbon 14 of the Peacock Family, has attracted support from Pastor Andrew from Congo, who has pledged to help revive the artist’s music career and improve his living conditions.

The 60-year-old musician, who lost his eyesight in 1992, has welcomed the intervention, saying gospel music has been his long-standing dream.

Pastor Andrew has already taken Carbon 14 to a recording studio to begin working on gospel music, with plans to help him regain his footing in the industry.

The pastor has also pledged to provide the musician with transport, a mobile phone, financial assistance and support to improve his livelihood at home.

A MUSICIAN'S STRUGGLE FOR SUPPORT

Before the intervention, Carbon 14 had appealed to music promoters, event organisers and the public for support, saying visual impairment and limited opportunities had made it increasingly difficult to sustain his music career.

He says his condition has affected his ability to organise performances and promote his music, especially following the death of the person who used to guide him to musical engagements.

The musician also says he has received little support from his family and has struggled to care for a child left in his care after his wife left in 2019. He says handouts and tokens received while performing on stage have been his main source of support.

Carbon 14 says he is excited about the opportunity to pursue gospel music, hoping the move will open doors to greater support and enable him to rebuild his career.

FROM M&ITG TO THE PEACOCK FAMILY

Carbon 14 began his music career in 2005 with a group initially known as M&ITG, which later became the Peacock Family. He served as the group's chief composer, helping shape its musical identity.

At the time, Arua had limited recording facilities, prompting the group to record under the Leon Island crew, with celebrated Ugandan musician Jose Chameleone serving as their producer.

Carbon 14 says the group had hoped to collaborate further with Chameleone, but the plans did not materialise following disagreements over what he described as a lack of transparency.

The Peacock Family later gained recognition with its breakthrough song Peacock, earning a nomination at the Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM Awards). Other songs associated with the group include Jennifer, Coffin, Stella and Make You Dance.

However, a reunion remains uncertain following the death of one member and the busy schedule of Jerry de Peacock.

Despite the group's past achievements, Carbon 14 says limited support continues to affect his ability to benefit from his contribution to West Nile's music industry.

PASTOR CALLS FOR PRACTICAL SUPPORT

Pastor Andrew has called on fellow gospel preachers to go beyond preaching and extend practical assistance to vulnerable people, including persons with disabilities, orphans and widows.

He says religious leaders should demonstrate their faith by helping people facing difficult circumstances and supporting those who need assistance to improve their lives.

The intervention has given Carbon 14 renewed hope of returning to the recording studio and pursuing his long-held ambition of singing gospel music.

A CALL TO SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS

Matenga, a member of Carbon 14's family, identifies inadequate support as one of the musician's biggest challenges and appeals to the public and entertainment industry stakeholders to help him continue pursuing his passion.

Carbon 14 also believes secular musicians receive fewer opportunities and less support than gospel artists, making it difficult for many to sustain their careers.

He is urging music promoters, event organisers and the wider community to provide local musicians with platforms to perform, showcase their talent and earn a living.

The intervention following the NBS West Nile TV story highlights how media coverage can connect vulnerable people with potential well-wishers and bring attention to challenges that might otherwise go unnoticed.

For Carbon 14, the support offers an opportunity to revive his musical ambitions while improving his living conditions after years of struggle.

Daily West Nile — Telling the stories that matter.