From Kisii to Global Spotlight: The Inspiring Story of a Soldier Turned Talent Champion Solomon Ongere

Not many begin at the top; most start from humble beginnings and climb the ladder to reach where they are today.

Such is the story of Solomon Ongere Omboto, who defied all odds to rise above challenges and transform his journey into one of resilience and purpose.

Growing up in Kisii, Solomon witnessed brilliance in his community, natural musicians, artists, athletes, and creators but also saw how this talent often went unnoticed due to a lack of resources, mentorship, and opportunity.

These early observations planted a seed in his heart: the desire to one day bridge that gap and become the kind of support system he never had.

His life changed forever when he won the U.S. Green Card lottery.

Fresh out of high school, Solomon relocated to the United States, driven by a burning desire to create a better future not just for himself, but ultimately for others like him.

A Soldier’s Calling

In 2011, Solomon joined the United States Army. It was a bold step, but one that he saw as a pathway to growth, stability, and service.

He began with boot camp, followed by Advanced Individual Training (AIT) where he trained as a mechanical engineer, and later enrolled in Airborne School, one of the military's most elite programs.

His first posting was at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he served as a paratrooper and mechanical engineer.

Over 11 years, he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, an achievement that reflected his leadership, discipline, and skill. He earned several accolades during this time, marking him as a dependable and outstanding service member.

But the military life also came with challenges.

During his 38th jump, a nighttime combat exercise in Fort Polk, Louisiana, disaster struck. His parachute malfunctioned, and while he managed to land safely, the impact caused a serious knee injury that required surgery in 2015.

Despite his recovery and return to service, he re-injured the same knee years later, leading to a second surgery in 2021. By June 2022, Solomon was medically retired from the Army at just 32 years old.

“It was heartbreaking,” he shares. “But I had faith in God. I knew it was not the end.”

Rising from Setback

While many would have been discouraged by such a turn of events, Solomon saw his retirement as a redirection rather than a dead-end.

He transitioned into civilian life as an aircraft mechanic at Gulfstream, where he continued to showcase his technical acumen.

Yet his heart remained tethered to his roots. He began to reflect more deeply on the African diaspora’s connection to their culture.

He noticed how Kenyan music, comedy, and entertainment were becoming increasingly popular in American households, especially within diaspora communities.

This realization sparked a transformative idea: What if African talent could be brought directly to the global stage?

The Birth of Myogenic Africa Talents

From that vision, Myogenic Africa Talents was born, a platform aimed at discovering, nurturing, and exposing African talent to the world.

Inspired by the biological term myogenic, which describes the heart’s self-starting ability, the organization became a metaphor for what Solomon believed talent could do: thrive and create opportunity without external dependency.

“Talent makes you independent. It can sustain you if nurtured,” he says. “Just like the heart doesn’t need external stimulation to work, your talent, once empowered, can take you places.”

The organization is built around three key pillars that work together to identify, nurture, and elevate African talent.

The first is the Myogenic Africa Talent Initiative, a grassroots scouting program that focuses on uncovering untapped talent in rural and underserved areas, particularly in Kenya.

This initiative seeks out musicians, dancers, welders, athletes, and other gifted individuals whose skills have long gone unnoticed due to lack of exposure.

By providing them with platforms and opportunities, Myogenic helps connect these individuals to wider audiences both locally and internationally.

The second pillar is the Myogenic Africa Talent Academy, which expands the definition of talent beyond the performing arts to include areas such as science, technology, engineering, mechanics, and the culinary arts.

The academy equips participants with mentorship, professional training, and access to networks that can help turn their skills into viable careers. It is a space where passion meets practical support, transforming raw talent into sustainable success.

Finally, the third pillar is the Myogenic Mentorship Program and Excellence Awards. This biannual event brings outstanding African talents to the United States for recognition, mentorship, and international exposure.

"I'm proud to share that the 2025 edition of our event was a huge success, attracting the attention of Alex Chamwada OGW MBS from Daring Abroad. Our collaboration was incredibly fruitful, and our three-state tour yielded significant progress and partnerships with prominent companies and individuals,''Solomon noted.

He says among the highlights was the presentation of a Certificate of Achievement by Ambassador David Kerich, which he described as a great honor for Myogenic.

''This experience has been truly remarkable, and I'm grateful for the opportunities that have arisen from it."

Global Reach and Future Ambitions

Solomon’s reach is growing fast. A recipient of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders in 2014, he has been recognized by the U.S. State Department for his visionary leadership and commitment to community transformation.

As a US Citizen, he is now able to travel between the U.S. and Africa, allowing him to expand Myogenic’s programs and partnerships.

Plans are already underway to launch new initiatives in Uganda and Rwanda, with a long-term goal of establishing a pan-African talent hub that connects African creatives with global markets.