Lead image for Schools showcase creativity at music festival.
Schools from across the country claimed top honours in various categories as the 98th Kenya National Music Festival entered its third day at Kibabii University yesterday.
The competitions featured choral verse, folk songs, singing games and special compositions, with adjudicators rewarding performances that promoted education, culture, environmental conservation and social values.
Learners captivated audiences through creative storytelling, music and choreography, highlighting issues ranging from the value of teachers to wildlife conservation and responsible citizenship. Seven Folks School emerged among the day’s standout performers, winning the Kiswahili Choral Verse category with “Shujaa” and the Brook East Africa Special Composition category with “Mwokozi”, a choral verse advocating the protection of the African donkey.
The award-winning presentation featured performers Victor Mwangi, Louis Leakey, Frank Mutugi and Carey Kaari, who highlighted the importance of protecting donkeys and recognising their contribution to communities that depend on them for transport and livelihoods.
Through dramatic narration, song and dance, the learners urged society to protect the animals from neglect and abuse. The performances delivered memorable messages that resonated with the audience. One choral verse declared: “A teacher is our pride and treasure. Long live our teachers. If only I had the means, I would give the world to my teachers — my mentors and role models.”
The donkey-themed composition also underscored the animal’s resilience, with one performer saying: “I have seen the donkey work tirelessly without complaining,” while another described it as: “Our African donkey, our pride.”
Speaking after the performances, trainer Anthony Mugendi attributed the success to the learners’ commitment and hard work.
“We presented a total of seven classes at the national festival and have already secured two first positions. We are proud of this achievement,” he said.