Electrifying shows as music festival gets off to colourful start

The 98th Kenya National Music Festival got off to a colourful start at Kibabii University in Bungoma County on Sunday, with learners treating audiences to breathtaking choreography and powerful vocal performances.

One of the standout performances came from ACK Valley View School in Juja, Kiambu County, whose percussion band captivated the audience with an energetic display of African traditional music.

The learners confidently showcased a variety of indigenous instruments including the Marimba, drums, Kayamba, Kengele, Shiriri, shakers and the Litungu. The team comprised Christabel Wambui, Joy Waithera, Olivia Wanjiku, Peris Wanja, Daniel Mung'ere, Ethan Kariuki, Natalie Muthoni, Andrea Wanjiru and Joy Precious.

Read: How Zilizopendwa old-school rhumba classics are reshaping Kenya’s school music

They performed a rich selection of songs drawn from different Kenyan communities. They opened with a Luhya song Nolangwa Obolenge Endi Hano, which teaches children the importance of responding respectfully when called by their parents.

They followed this with the Swahili classic Pilipili by Chakacha Band and Wape Vidonge by Samba Mapangala before concluding with another Luhya song celebrating the joy of children returning home safely from school.

The group's trainer Jeremiah Omulama said preparations began in April.

“Initially, the learners showed little interest, but we kept encouraging them by demonstrating melodies on different instruments. Gradually, they developed a passion for traditional music. I am delighted that they have qualified for the national festival for the second time,” he said.