Music, faith and culture take centre stage as Kenya's finest showcase creativity

The Kenya Music Festival Winners’ Concert in Bungoma showcased young talent while promoting cultural and social values. [File, Standard]

The Kenya Music Festival opened its Winners’ Concert at Kibabii University, Bungoma, bringing together some of the country’s finest young musical and artistic talent in a colourful celebration of faith, culture, education, unity and social responsibility.

Beyond the entertainment, the performances carried powerful messages, reminding audiences of values that hold communities together and lessons that can shape the future of the country.

From religious devotion and environmental conservation to animal welfare, digital literacy, health awareness and preservation of indigenous cultures, the performers demonstrated that music remains an important vehicle for passing knowledge from one generation to another.

One of the standout performances came from Kabarak University, which presented “Strong Together”, a song affirming the strength of God and encouraging people to trust Him during difficult moments.

The message was simple but profound: those who place their faith in God can remain firm when confronted by adversity, while those who lose faith risk falling.

The performance offered a moral lesson about resilience, that life will inevitably present challenges, but courage, faith, and perseverance can help individuals overcome them.

At the same time, Mtwapa Elite Academy from Kilifi took the audience into the rich cultural traditions of the Digo community through African-style singing games traditionally performed by children in the evening as they waited for supper.

The performance demonstrated that traditional games were not merely entertainment. They promoted cooperation, social cohesion, movement, play and cultural transmission.

The lesson was for communities to preserve their traditions and give future generations a sense of identity and belonging.

Holy Innocent Tassia Catholic from Nairobi and Mulala HGM Comprehensive School from Makueni presented “Mumbi”, a chant celebrating Kenya’s Competency-Based Education system through narration and rhythmic expression.

The performances highlighted learners’ experiences, practical learning and values including honesty, unity, responsibility and respect.

They demonstrated that education should go beyond examination grades. It should prepare learners to become responsible citizens capable of solving real-life problems and working with others.

Mwakitutu Primary School from Taita Taveta presented “Mwazindika,” a traditional Wadawida dance performed by men and women and associated with spiritual healing, communal wellbeing and cultural heritage.

The performance underscored that culture can provide communities with a collective identity while strengthening social bonds.

Kodwogo Comprehensive School from Homa Bay used choral verses titled “Sulwe” to highlight the importance of the Nyota project and its role in empowering young people through financial support and business opportunities.

The message was particularly relevant in a country grappling with youth unemployment. Young people were encouraged to seize opportunities, improve their livelihoods and contribute to national development.

Perhaps one of the most compelling social messages came from Marimanti Junior School in Tharaka Nithi, which championed animal welfare through “Bingwa.”

The choral verse celebrated the African donkey and its contribution to livelihoods and community development.

“Punda ni bingwa hakika, ahitaji kusifiwa...”

The performers reminded the audience that donkeys provide transportation, assist farmers and support families economically.

The moral lesson was one of compassion and responsible animal care, that animals that contribute to human survival deserve protection, dignity and proper treatment.

The class was sponsored by Brooke East Africa.

Manyulia Junior Academy from Western Kenya presented an African instruments ensemble, demonstrating how indigenous instruments can entertain while educating audiences about Africa’s rich musical heritage.

Lugulu Boarding Primary similarly blended African and Western instruments, showcasing cultural diversity and demonstrating that different traditions can coexist without one eliminating the other.

This spirit of unity was also reflected in Kabete National Polytechnic’s “Kweya,” a Luhya maiden song advising young women on family life.

University of Embu used choral verses titled “Mawasiliano Shwari” to address responsible use of mobile phones, including the importance of verification and proper identification.

The performance demonstrated how music can be used to communicate contemporary messages, especially to young people who are increasingly dependent on technology.

Religion was another dominant theme.

Garissa University presented “Mtumbe Wetu Hashim,” a devotional song celebrating Prophet Muhammad and highlighting qualities such as humility, kindness and virtue.

Oneno Comprehensive School from Homa Bay presented “Yesu Jawar,” a sacred folk song reflecting on the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The song presented sacrifice as a source of salvation while inspiring faith, hope and gratitude.

Kakamega Little Lillie's performed the Taarab “Mola Wangu,” a heartfelt prayer asking God to protect people from life's challenges, preserve their dignity and grant them strength and guidance.

The Teachers Service Commission choir presented the Luo sacred arrangement “Otenona,” meaning He leads me through difficult times.

Together, the religious performances carried a common lesson: faith can provide hope, strength and direction when people face uncertainty.

Nyangweso School for the Hearing Impaired in Homa Bay demonstrated that disability should never be a barrier to artistic expression. Through a Dodo Luo dance traditionally performed by elderly women during joyful occasions such as weddings, the learners celebrated hard work, social responsibility, community solidarity and Luo heritage.

Their performance reinforced the principle of inclusion that every learner has talents that deserve recognition and an opportunity to shine.

Health awareness also found space on the festival stage with Mount Kenya University presented “I Spoke in a Cough,” a choral verse highlighting tuberculosis and urging Kenyans to seek medical treatment, complete treatment, maintain hygiene and follow health guidance.

The learners noted that fighting disease requires personal responsibility as well as collective action.

The Coast Teachers Choir presented the Taarab “Kivukoni,” symbolising the transition from  traditional teaching methods to modern approaches, including the use of computers and digital tools under competency-based education.

Kitui Teachers College used a Kamba folk song to explain that a true home is built on relationships, unity, mutual respect and coexistence.

Meanwhile, AIC Alale Mixed Secondary School from West Pokot presented “Chepolima,” a Pokot song celebrating successful harvests, while Mayatta Mixed Day Senior School from Isiolo presented “Ada Dale,” a Borana folk song performed during marriage ceremonies to praise the bride and encourage her to become a strong and respected woman.

Other performances, including Elwak DEB's Somali “Manta,” Mobamba D.O.K Primary School's “Enchaburuta,” Raap Comprehensive School's Samburu “Enshibai,” Naikarra Special School's Maasai “Enchipai” and Machakos Primary School's Kamba folk song, reinforced the richness and diversity of Kenya's communities.