*KeepingThePilgramageBeat

I’m MS rObi Hall Kumalo —musician, storyteller, teaching artist, award-winning children’s artist, and healer with Reiki arts. My journey has been shaped by music, love, and resilience, even while navigating the challenges of multiple sclerosis (MS).

This year, I have been blessed with the opportunity to take a spiritual pilgrimage to the Holy Land, a transformative journey to connect with the Bahá’í holy shrines and gardens in Israel. For me, this pilgrimage is more than a trip; it’s a chance for deep reflection, healing, and renewal.

The Bahá’í writings teach that all experiences come from God’s love and kindness. This belief, along with support from friends like Ronnie—who nursed me back to health during a tough period in 2018— inspired me to strengthen my faith and sign up for this pilgrimage!I did.  I’m surviving!  Despite the physical and cognitive challenges MS presents, my career spanning more than 40 years so far remains a testament to perseverance and creativity. From collaborations with legends like Aretha Franklin and Harry Belafonte to creating award-winning children’s CDs like Keep the Beat! and Music Makes Me Happy, I’ve dedicated my life to using music and storytelling to inspire and uplift others.As a Bahá’í, this pilgrimage will deepen my connection to my faith, infuse my work with new spiritual energy, and inspire fresh music, stories, and programs. I plan to share these experiences with my audiences and communities, creating workshops, performances, and writings that reflect this sacred journey.

My lifeline-sister friend Lynn Berry, a devoted Bahá’í, will be traveling with me. I’m grateful that God placed such important friends into my life for this time. I’m not asking her to fund my trip but she’s offering her guidance as I prepare for this spiritual adventure and to help me navigate the terrain whilst traveling the historic sites.

Why I Need Your Help

I’m raising $6,000 to cover the costs of this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage. In addition to donations via this site - I offer a healing concert we can align together with prayers, especially when including the youth in your community in person or online.  Your support will help make this journey possible and ensure I can continue my work as an artist and healer, sharing the lessons I learn with the world.

What’s Next After Pilgrimage?

Post-pilgrimage, I will create:

   •   New music and stories inspired by the Holy Land.

   •   Workshops and performances for spiritual and Bahá’í communities.

   •   Books that reflect my journey and offer healing and inspiration.

This pilgrimage is not just for me—it’s for everyone I’ve yet to inspire through my music and storytelling. Thank you for helping me keep the beat.

Learn more about my story and see my TEDx talk, This is My Story, This is My Song: Watch Here.