Lead image for Zilizopendwa classics steal the show at Kenya Music Festival .
The 98th Kenya Music Festival featured schools and universities showcasing Zilizopendwa tunes, classical music and performances addressing social issues at Kibabii University in Bungoma County.
St George’s Comprehensive School delivered one of the day’s standout performances with Dezo Dezo, originally performed by Congolese musician Tshala Muana. The Lingala classic, infused with Kiswahili from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, tells of a girl living beyond her means.
“We are very happy to have won this category, which was competitive, and we thank our girls for a job well done,” said the school’s producer and principal, Anne Odhiambo.
Butere Girls also performed Dezo Dezo, while Kipsigis Girls presented South African musician Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s Motherland. Pumwani Senior School performed songs by Congolese band Wenge Musica BCBG, drawing a standing ovation.
Other schools included Moi Mbiruri High School, Alliance High School, Ugenya High School, St Joseph’s, Taru High School and Khadija Senior School, Mombasa. Andrew Tumbo performed for Pumwani, including Jana Usiku.
Elsewhere, 16-year-old Martin Arthur of Sawagongo High School showcased his guitar skills. He said he had played guitar for five years. He performed under the direction of Philip Mbinji alongside Barbara Muthui of Kianda School and students from other schools.
Universities and teacher training colleges presented works spanning African languages, classical music and social themes.
Egerton University explored love and relationships among students, while Mount Kenya University (MKU) used its performance to promote self-worth, high standards and responsible choices in addressing teenage pregnancy. The University of Embu focused on respect for age, authority and elders.