Kenyatta University reigns supreme at Kenya Music Festival

Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Prof Paul Wainaina joins the university choir to celebrate a win of 30 trophies at the national music festival. [Phares Mutembei, Standard] Kenyatta University i the indisputable king and queen with more than 30 wins at the just-concluded 97th edition of the Kenya Music Festival in Meru. With over 56 entries, the university, a bedrock of creativity for years, established itself as the prolific team at the jamboree that attracted 22 universities, up from seven last year. For the last five years, KU has maintained its consistency of starring at the music despite the stiffer competition coming after the collapse of the Kupaa festival. KU's prowess was evident in Meru as its troupe belted the tunes of Ohangla musician Odongo Swag's all-time hit song Nyasembo with soloists Paul Maina and Bill Clinton. Written and directed by University of Florida Master's graduate Elijah Adongo, the song sent the audience on their feet as they joined in the dance. It ended in deafening applause and standing ovation, with the audience begging for more. In the song, Swag is lamenting about a beautiful sweetheart from Asembo Bay who has disappeared to unknown lands. He is asking anybody who has seen her to tell her that 'Swag is forever', that he loves her and wants her back. The teamwork, the adorable moves and the synchrony in the vocals were a marvel, and they made the choir a darling of many at the festival. The Thika Road-based university also starred with a special composition titled Undeserved Love, composed by Victor Mwenda and led by soloist Paul Njagi. KU had Silvester Otieno Shujaa, who led them to another win with 'Makbada', a Luo sacred song, with soloists Sally Claris and Angela Kibera giving it such colour that it amplified the divinity of reaching Heaven! They had other wins in the Luhya and Luo folk dances choreographed by Miguel Duncan and arranged by Justus Lisiola, with the ever-amazing trio of Emmaculate Amboye, Angela Akinyi and Elizabeth Akinyi. It was such a reflective piece with fidelity to the idiomatic expressions that residents of Shamakhoko in Isukha of Kakamega would relate easily. It was the epitome of cultural heritage well conserved, according to enthusiasts at the festival. Something unique about the choir is that not all members are pursuing music as a discipline at the university but are in it for the passion. Yvonne Adhiambo, for example, is pursuing a Bachelor of Education (Mathematics and Business option). But she is endowed with amazing vocals that would be the envy of many a pop musician. "I really appreciate the students and the teachers for the hard work. They make me proud, and they have given me the best of my impending retirement that is coming up early next year," said Prof Paul Wainaina, who was present at the gala as his students scooped award after award. They also won Marimba solo Xylophone done by Clarence Chiira, African Western Ensemble directed by Joe Otieno, Patriotic Song by Andrew Kizito, as well as Automobile Authority of Kenya, a special composition by Anthony Keya. Kenyans, the stars said, are yet to see the very best from the university whose music department is headed by pianist Dr Duncan Wambugu. Other institutions of higher learning that made a big impact on the national stage included the University of Nairobi, directed by Dr Fred Atoh, who won the Zilizopendwa category. Daystar University is also making serious inroads at the festival, with Moses Alubala showing the way. The choir is a brainchild of Vice Chancellor Prof Laban Ayiro, who is its patron and whose mission is to represent the university as an institution that transforms young people into servant leaders par excellence. "We are determined, and we have had a great start. We are moving in the right direction with a number of wins and trophies," says Alubala.

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Kenyatta University reigns supreme at Kenya Music Festival

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