Love fills the air as institutions perform intimate ballads at festival

St Bridgit's Syomunyu Secondary led by their outdoing Principal Jacqueline Kasunza (centre) lift the trophy at Moi Girls Eldoret after winning Kamba Folk Dance class. [Peter Ochieng, Standard] The afternoon air at Moi Girls High School Eldoret where the Kenya Music Festivals are ongoing was alive with electrifying and soothing performances as the national event clocked one week. For St Bridgit's Syomunyu Secondary School from Kitui, Eastern region, triumphing in the Kamba dance class with a stunning 91 per cent, meant more than an overall win. The win had to happen in style and in the most spectacular way. St Bridgit's Syomunyu Principal Jacqueline Kasunza is transferring to St Ursula Girls Secondary school in the same county and her presence at Moi Girls Eldoret where the national festivals are being staged, was the last as their school head. Emerging top in the Kamba Folk Dance while performing Kiinze - a traditional song sung by young women during happy occasions - made it a memorable farewell for Kasunza. It was an emotional moment for Kasunza's girls as they lifted the trophy for the first time. The outgoing Principal was the team's lead trainer alongside teachers Cynthia Munyithya, William Syengo and Reuben Ndung'u. The school has been performing at the Kenya Music Festivals since 2016, the same year Kasunza was posted to the institution. St Bridgit's folk dance soloist Elizabeth Mueni said they prepared for the festivals well in order to reward their outgoing Principal with a win. "We are humbled by the win because through it, we have given our Principal the best farewell gift that a student can give her teacher. She gave us adequate time and resources to prepare for the win," Mueni said after lifting the trophy. The soloist went on to say: "Our hope is to participate in the gala on Tuesday. We do much better if we get the opportunity to perform at the gala." Despite leaving St Bridgit's Syomunyu, Kasunza was even thirsty for more glory. "Seeing my students performing at the State concert will be another huge farewell package," said Kasunza. Her school emerged position two in the same category (Kamba Folk Dance) last year in Nyeri, but the institution went back and improved on its costumes, instrumentation and dance pattern as well as style, according to Kasunza. "I am overjoyed because this is a farewell like no other. I am transferring to St Ursula Girls and this win means a lot for me," she said. The theme of love did not stop at the love shown to Kasunza. Participating institutions continued doling out love songs that melted the hearts of adjudicators. It was the turn of university choirs to perform, and when the institutions of higher learning took to the stage, they made sultry delivery of renditions, highlighting love. They sang soothing Congolese love songs attracting wild cheers in Moi Girls Eldoret's biggest hall. The University of Nairobi performed Micko, a rhumba item by Koffi Olomide. The song is about Micko, a girl who dumped her man. "Miko si c'est vrai obongo essala rien (Micko if it's true that you've dumped me, it's ok), Miko eza mawa obongo essala rien (Micko it's sad that you're refusing me, it's ok). Na ko kufa na nga martyr d'amour (I will die a martyr of love)," the UoN choir sang. Under the guidance of Dr Elijah Adongo, Kenyatta University choir presented Loi, a composition by Koffi Olomide. On the other hand, Daystar University presented Noa, a love song by Sam Fan Thomas. Ezra Odhiambo, a participant in the Daystar University choir said the stage performance went as planned. "Each part of the presentation rhymed. We prepared for the contest for about a month. The instruments were in place and we hope for the best," he said after their presentation. On Saturday, top schools were getting ready for the gala set for Tuesday. During the gala, more about 70 participating teams will be trimmed to about 30 groups which perform before President William Ruto at the state concert scheduled for August 16 at a State Lodge to be disclosed.

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