Kenyan choir markets the country in US

The Kenyan team on stage at Georgia State University.

FLORIDA: The Nairobi Chamber Chorus is in the USA marketing Kenya as a safe place to visit.

The choir has been touring the southern states of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida, using their songs to highlight the integration and peace in their home country.

Their repertoire includes local songs as well as tunes from other parts of the African continent. Their American hosts, The Festival Singers of Florida, have also performed with NCC during the tour.

Among the places the team has staged performances are Georgia State University's Kopleff Recital Hall, Second-Ponce De Leon Baptist Church, and University of Mississippi Ford Centre.

They also staged thrilling concerts at Memorial Presbyterian Church, Trinity United Methodist Church, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, First United Methodist Church and Hope Presbyterian Church.

After the performances, those in attendance were often eager to listen to hear about the choir members talk about their roots and the coexistence of Kenya's 42 communities.

"We are taught at all levels on the need to have unity and coexist for the sake of peace. We are bound by many social-cultural issues that you need to come and learn," choir director Ken Wakia told the audience." Kenya is a hotbed of good things that you need to visit and explore."

Founded in October 2005 by Wakia, NCC's mission is to enable young Kenyans participate in a high quality musical forum from which they can build their careers or expand their knowledge in the arts. Since its inception, more than 70 young people drawn from various institutions have participated in the project.

Wakia said many Kenyans have not appreciated the importance of music. "Many don't know this is a serious area that needs to be explored," he said.

The director of Festival Singers of Florida Kevin Fenton, who is a professor at the Florida State University, praised NCC, saying they present a country and region that is rich with diverse views, but bound by culture that can be spread through music.

The choir aims is on a mission to enable young Kenyans build their careers or expand their knowledge in the arts. "Since its inception, over 70 young people have participated and many are now leading musicians in Kenya, performing and teaching music across the country and beyond," said Wakia.