Education, health dominate as music festival makes a comeback

The schools which lined up music and dance performances included Moi Education Centre, Parklands Baptist School, Olympic Primary, Vineyard Academy, Shadrack Kimalel, Aga Khan Primary, Gatoto Primary, Fadhili Junior, Rockfields Junior and Nairobi Christian Academy.

Gatoto Primary showcased their rich voices through The Lord's Prayer and a special composition on Kenya Ports Authority.

Aga Khan Primary from Westlands Constituency performed a Kiganda folk song in the rest of Africa category. Trained and directed by Linet Achieng, the learners exhibited their prowess through their voice and costumes.

In the same class were students from Nairobi Christian Academy from Embakasi who performed a folk song from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Olympic Primary staged a Sukuma folk song from Tanzania that was originally done in praise of Chief Mutemi. Shadrack Kimalel came with a Kisii dance that was performed to celebrate a bumper harvest.

Vineyard Academy staged a Borana dance that was used to entertain newly married couples.

Moi Forces evoked the memories of the Coastal renditions through their Taarab song that revolved around the new education system. In sacred folk song, St Michael's Primary School from Makadara stole the show with a Luhya spiritual.

Clad in the African a Divine Church robes, the performers thrilled the audience and claimed position one, booking themselves a place in the national festival which will take place at Maseno University in a week's time.

Erick Amuhaya, the Nairobi Region Secretary of Kenya Music Festival said the event boasts a diverse range of musical performances, dining options and numerous dance parties.

''The Kenya Music Festival prides itself on bringing our cultural diversity to our learners, identifying themselves with it through music and dance,'' Amuhaya said.

''The festival will blow your mind. There is such exceptional talent across the country, and they gather to bring a fusion like no other. Our music, our heritage has always been a phenomenon, and it has grown and evolved into something epic.''

Secondary schools will stage their performances at Moi Forces Academy.