Rahel marked her very first trip to Eritrea with an A Capella performance of the Eritrean anthem in front of President Issias Afwerki and an audience numbering in thousands. That was in the summer of 2004 in Sawa during the weeklong Eritrean Youth Festival. It was a unique experience for everyone -least of all Rahel- as her powerful voice, that of a trained classical singer, uplifted everyone present.

"It was my first time going to Eritrea and it was the most amazing experience! I felt so much pride especially when I went to Sawa!" says Rahel.

During her stay in Eritrea , apart from her tour that took her as far as Sawa, Rahel made sure she visited Yemane Baria's grave. "He is my favourite Eritrean artist by far and growing up, I enjoyed listening to his soulful and lingering songs so much."

Rahel took up piano lessons at the age of seven up to a grade six level in classical piano. Afterwards, she studied Drama and Singing at the London Guildhall School of Music. She has also trained in classical singing and gospel music from the age of fourteen. This year, Rahel will graduate from Powerhouse, Thames Valley University , with a Music Degree.

Most of the songs that Rahel writes are a blend of Funk and Soul. As the lead vocalist of a band, she co-writes most of the songs with guitarist Mark Lodge. The band hopes to one day make it in the mainstream music industry. "Our only aim is of course to get a recording contract with a major recording company and become famous!" Rahel says. The band has performed in various locations in and around London , including the Eritrean Festivcal - UK .

At the age of seven, Rahel participated in Archway Aid, a major charity drive for Eritrea through her music. Ten years later, she was again involved in a fundraising music event for the Eritrean Relief Association.

Since coming back from Eritrea , Rahel has been hatching up an idea for a project to raise some money towards Education in Eritrea . "The project is called Rahel's Project and the aim is to raise as much money for education in Eritrea through the sale of my new CD. I also hope that my effort will spur other young British-Eritreans to initiate similar projects for other causes."

Rahel's new CD features some excellent R'nB tracks including 'STUCK IN THE MIDDLE', 'IF I COULD' and the soulful 'AMAZING'. The CD is now on sale for £5.00 of which £1.00 per CD will go towards education in Eritrea . 

Rahel's thoughts:

"Going to Eritrea for the first time was the most exciting and inspiring thing I've ever done in my life. My parents (and family) have always described the beauty of our homeland, lifestyle, culture and our people but nothing is the same as seeing your own country with your own eyes!

"As the days passed, an overwhelming feeling of pride took over me. For the first time in my life, I breathe in my country's air and walk the streets (seeing people that looked like me) and I'm part of the majority (what a great feeling). Nobody questions who I am. I'm just accepted."

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In the UK , the CD is available for sale at the following establishments:

• Mereb food and wine 415 Holloway RD N7 68J
• Nagshead off licence 78 seven sisters RD N7
• Sunshine food and wine 379 Kentish town road NW5
• Sudanese and Eritrean cuisine 599 Green Lanes N8 ORE
• Adulis music 147 Lansdown way SW8

For more information contact Maria Ghile: email. mariaghile@hotmail.com