Kimya Kimya crew dance to victory on night of epic acts

Standard Group CEO Orlando Lyomu (right) presents a dummy cheque of Sh1 million to KTN's I Can Dance winning group Kimya Kimya during the show's finals on Friday. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

After a night of electrifying dance moves on Friday night, Kimya Kimya dance crew walked away with Sh1 million in the I Can Dance Season One finale.

The event took place at the Standard Group headquarters on Mombasa Road.

“When we look back since the time we joined this competition, we have grown in leaps and bounds. The tests that we had throughout the season pushed us out of our comfort zones. The competition has brought a lot of growth to our group,” said group member Kelvin Kassim.

On the cash prize, Kimya Kimya plan to tithe, donate to charity, fund a friend’s education and invest in their career as professional dancers.

The members of the group met during a dance audition by the boy band, Sauti Sol, four years ago. One of the members, Roy Wanda, met with them individually to form the dance group. 

Five acts faced off in the finals. There were solo acts: Kelvin Erot, an entertainer who won the hearts of many with his personality and drive, and Davilla S whose evocative dance touched the audience.

Group acts included House of Swat whose spinning moves blew the crowd away, Redspaxx who creatively employed props, and Kimya Kimya’s message on animal cruelty told through dance received applause.

The night featured crew moves choreographed on their own for the first time since the start of the competition. The host of the night, KTN’s Chero Oywa, introduced acts in front of judges - Coach Edu, Renee Re, Oscar Mwalo and Zaynah Ruhi. When they wrapped up the performances that were captured on live TV, they had won over the judges even as they had to select only one winner.

“I am proud of each one of you. The hard work that you have put in this has shown through your performances. You are ready for the market,” said Coach Edu.

Rajiv Sehgal and Rekha Sehgal from Mayura Restaurant acknowledged the talents.

Standard Group CEO Orlando Lyomu commended the participants for their dedication and talent. Mr Lyomu encouraged those who missed on the ultimate prize to continue pursuing their talents, reiterating that their creativity is evidenced by the competitiveness of the finale show. “What we have witnessed here is talent that if managed well, tapped into and steered towards the right direction, will take these people far,” he said.

Lyomu further urged corporate firms to hire young talents during events as way of job creation.