Cross country running, hand stands, aerobics, sit ups, push ups, frog jumps these are all a part of the training regime DITTO has to undergo to perform at the level that it does. Small wonder DITTO has become one of the pre-eminent dance troupes around, outlasting many of their contemporaries who were before them.
 The group's name is an acronym, initially standing for Dancers In True Trinity Order, and eventually changing to Disciples in True Trinity Order. They see their job as far more than just entertainment though it must be said that they do a very good job of entertaining. Theirs is more a calling a calling to present the Gospel of Christ through the powerful art of dance. As packaging of messages becomes more and more important in our increasingly post-modern world, they take it upon themselves to diversify the media through which the Gospel is preached. As such, their presentation is creative, fun and entertaining, yet deeply meaningful.
The group was started in the mid 90's as an outflow of the Ex-Cans ministry at the Nairobi Pentecostal Church Valley Road . At the time, membership was generally open to all participants in the Ex-Cans ministry who were interested in dance. However as time passed and the group became more established, they realized that this policy would be detrimental to their longevity. They opted to have individuals join the group as opposed to whole masses coming through at once. At present, they undertake auditions, and have successful applicants go on a probationary 3-6 month period. During this time new entrants have their progress monitored keenly, until the group's leadership feels comfortable with their level of ministry as well as their dancing competence.
When the group started off, they had a real inclination towards Praise & Worship. Group founder Barnabas Ranyuogi, more affectionately known as Barnes, introduced dance from artists like Keith Staten and Don Moen. As leadership was taken over by the likes of Edi aka Kwotee, their dance took a more pop-infused approach, with music from Out of Eden and CeCe Winans becoming prominent. More recently, elements of hip-hop, Lingala, salsa and afro-fusion have found their way into DITTO's dance routines.
The group's members are aged between 20 and 25 years, all of whom are pursuing different academic paths. From graphic designers and lawyers, to hoteliers, sound engineers and even law students, they are an eclectic mix of individuals. They believe this mix helps them to reach out to a diverse range of individuals.
Seamlessly fusing ministry and entertainment DITTO are privileged to have a number of spiritual guardians who direct them in their ministry. They confess that the ministry of Noel Woodruff has played a significant role in their own work. In addition, they have the privilege of sitting at the feet of pioneering artist and respected minister Pete Odera.
Ditto has worked closely with dance troupes such as Stomperz, God Chasers, and Souls of Honor. They've also been involved in choreography, music videos and stage performances with artists such as KORA-award winning Neema, as well as Sheila, Porqupine, Jogg-C and U.S-based Milele.
In addition, they have been involved in corporate and ministry functions, awards shows, weddings, and church services and concerts.
Even though today they are fairly established, they have faced numerous challenges over the years. Sometimes group members' families are not always supportive. Other times they may have issues with their church leaderships. Group leader, Maranga Maina, sums up their challenges as thus,
Some people don't understand what their children go to church to do from 2 5 p.m during practice sessions. There are members who attend school, and may have to come and practice overnight, even on wooden or kokoto surfaces. As our way of ministry we rotate around members houses so that the family members can get to know who we are and what we do, as well as establish rapport with them.
Still they credit their churches for providing training and performance venues, and their families for allowing them take up time to pursue their passions.
Ditto are now looking forward to establishing themselves outside of their traditional base of Nairobi .
Their advise to upcoming artists is this:
Keep the faith in what you do, have confidence in yourself and in the God in you. If He's called you into that ministry then develop and mature it.
Find new and innovative ways to present the gospel in an attractive package , yet not compromising its real content.
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