Artistes, Air Force thrill Kenyans at fete to mark Mashujaa Day

Despite the gloomy weather, Kenyans still turned out in large numbers yesterday at the Nyayo Stadium to commemorate the 52nd Mashujaa Day.

Security officers were present in large numbers, with the National Youth Service at the gate conducting security checks and being overseen by the Administration Police and the Kenya police.

But contrary to the assurance of the Regional Co-ordinator Njoroge Ndirangu that the chief guest, President Uhuru Kenyatta, would be seated by 10am, his deputy William Ruto arrived at 11.05am, followed athereafter by the President. During this time, the crowd was entertained by several performances from artists across the country, ranging from old school songs by Maroon Commandos and Sukuma bin Ongaro, to a fusion of both new and old school by Nyota Ndogo and Ally B.

Nyota Ndogo performs her song "Viatu' at Nyayo Stadium. Skaters show of their skills at Nyayo National Stadium. (PHOTO: BONIFACE OKENDO and MOSE SAMMY/STANDARD)

Gospel artists Ben Githae and Philip Yegon got the crowd on their feet with their songs ‘Mafataro’ and ‘Emily Chepchumba’ respectively, the latter being the victory song for renowned athlete Ezekiel Kemboi.

Most performances were scheduled before the chief guests’ arrival. “This is to create a core entertainment segment for the President and to avoid the crowd getting tired before the speech is read,” said an official. This locked out many schools from performing for the President. However, Mama Ngina Girls carried the day with their flawless Taarab performance that got First Lady Margaret Kenyatta swinging.

Sukuma Bin Ongaro moved the crowd as he belted ‘This World’. The classic depicted a life full of challenges as he wondered what he would be if it were not for music.

His energetic dance moves did not betray his advanced age and one would be forgiven to assume the grand maestro was just under 20.

The Benga hit ruled the airwaves during the 70s and early 80s, and it was such a refreshing moment to relive this piece that has continued to feature in the ‘Zilizopendwa’ category of the annual Kenya Music Festival.

Ben Githae in his song ‘Mafataro’, depicts one who aspires to greater things. It captured the mood on the aspirations of our forefathers who wanted a better life not only for themselves but for their children as well.

And Nyota Ndogo came in strongly to censure friends and colleagues who work day and night to bring down others in their endeavour to make a better life.

In her song ‘Viatu’ the Mombasa-based artiste moved the crowd as she told the story about a friend whom she trusted and who betrayed the same trust to undermine her.

She reflected the many ills affecting independent Kenya as a result of greed, negative ethnicity and tribalism.

 Love theme

The Permanent Presidential Music Commission led by Chairman Rufus Thuku, did not forget the theme of love on a positive note when they unleashed Philip Yegon to perform his classic ‘Emily Kepchumba’.

The octogenarian was in his element just like his contemporary Sukuma and proved that music is such a healthy endeavour and can make one stay young.

In the song, he showers his love Kepchumba, the ebony beauty from Keiyo, with words of undying affection and in retrospect signified the hope and happiness that Kenyans enjoyed at the onset of independence.

Skaters show of their skills at Nyayo National Stadium. (PHOTO: BONIFACE OKENDO and MOSE SAMMY/STANDARD)

On a day when the President was treated to one of the shortest entertainment segments in the history of national celebrations, Evans Mbinji of Zetech University and Chris Wekhulo put together a mass choir to perform with 300-plus members from private universities in a heroes song.

Ahero Girls, Lela Girls and Karanda Girls combined efforts to bring the graceful Dodo dance to hail President Kenyatta’s leadership. The toast of the day was Mama Ngina Girls who performed a Taarab song urging the youth to stop abusing drugs and alcohol.

They narrated how drugs have destroyed the lives of young people and asked the Government to arrest and incarcerate drug dealers and barons.

Aero-gymnastics

Away from song and dance, Kenyans were treated to a different sort of entertainment. When Warrant Officer II Gibson Mwandawiro announced that the Air Force would be next with their aero-gymnastics, the crowd’s eyes were met by several crows roaming in the air, which got many laughing, thinking it was hoax.

However, when they showed up with the fighter jets, they did not disappoint. The crowd screamed in excitement as the Air Force displayed what only brave hearts can stand.

Some ‘mashujaa’ were however denied entry into the area designated for heroes since they could not be identified. Even the ‘Shujaa’ homemade tags they wore, and the pictures of Dedan Kimathi imprinted on their clothes, did not seem convincing at all to the security.