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| Buru Buru Girls display trophy after winning in the adaptation class. [Photos: George Orido/Standard] |
By George Orido
The adaptation and arrangement of African pop music remains the most popular class in the just concluded Kenya Music Festivals in Meru town.
The theme of love was apparent in the various choices made by the different groups that performed in this class that remains the biggest crowd puller at the fete.
Nairobi Girls School romped back to grab one of the most coveted trophies in the festival after a five-year spell with a super rendition of South Africa’s diva Yvonne Chakachaka’s Mama Land.
In this song arranged by Abbey Chokera, the girls ask why they are being called strangers in their own land.
Accompanied with captivating chorography, the mellow voices seek answers:
“Who’s that man calling me stranger? In my land, my mama land, who’s that man, telling me go from my land, my mama land.”
The song was composed at the height of Apartheid in South Africa.
This performance is an indication of the high standards and sheer entertainment value attached to the Zilizopendwa class and especially the ones from out of the country.
Cultural values
At the time of this class the Meru Hall was jam-packed, additional seats were sourced from other halls to accommodate the swelling numbers.
“The reason for the popularity of this class is not just in the message on social and cultural values, the workmanship in terms of vocal variety and harmony, sheer choreography and being popular music makes it a delight for many a music lover, says Moses Wafula a regular attendee at the festival.
