A new beginning for Emmy Kosgey

By Caroline Nyanga

The lights grew brighter and the stage was set. Hundreds of expectant people from all walks of life sat waiting with bated breath.

Dignitaries, church leaders; from Reverends, Bishops, Pastors, media personalities and fans ranging from children, youth and the elderly were all in attendance.

The new hall at St Andrew’s Church Nairobi was filled to capacity as gospel multiple Groove award winner, Emmy Kosgey lauched her album dubbed Taunet Nelel meaning a ‘new beginning’.

A fitting name for an album that comes at a time when Kenyans are yearning for a better life away from bad leadership, hunger, high mortality rates and other societal ills.

Emmy Kosgey. Photo: Pius Cheruyot

The musicians lined-up included local award-winning gospel stars Jimmy Gait, Owen Mwatia aka Daddy Owen, Esther Wahome, Eunice Njeri, Dunco (Duncan Kiama), Ngashville (Anthony Nganga), Allan Aaron, Lilian Rotich, Moses Sirguy, Betty Bayo and Charity Tajeu just to name a few.

Emmy’s parents Rev Jackson Kosgey and his wife Rose Kosgey, friends and relatives were also in the house to show their support.

The show, which had a Sh200 gate charges for adults and Sh50 for kids, also had CDs, VCD’s and DVD’s by the artiste up for sell at the entrance.

K- Krew’s Njugush played the role of sound technician cum MC on the stage. The stage set-up was simple with a live band and powerful speakers providing the backdrop for performing artistes.

Njugush begun by introducing the ‘Praise and Worship’ team on stage who performed two songs — Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord and Tumsifu Bwana backed up by the live band.

Dressed in a fitting strapless flowing silk dress, dark blue in colour, with a unique African necklace Emmy Kosgey lit up the stage as she belted out belted out verses of Hossana and Toror Jehova Nenyon ( Jesus is above all, let His name be praised) and Otinye Jeiso (You have Jesus with you). Others include hits from her new album Taunet Nelel, Ongeureren and Alegisin among others.

Backed by five male and female singers Kosgey’s songs were mostly in Kalenjin language and a bit of Swahili. She captivated the audience with her powerful voice and many were seen nodding their heads to the tunes.

Soon, Daddy Owen, Dunco, and Ngashville —the trio collaborated in their latest hit System Ya Coupe De Carle Joined by gospel reggae singer Allan Aaron – aka the young mkorino, they thrilled fans with Kaza Mwendo, Hafungi Macho, Kiriro- a Kikuyu gospel song and System Ya Kapungala.

Donning a black fitting outfit that suited her pregnant shape, singer Esther Wahome proved that she still had the ‘Dawa’. The praise and worship team were next on stage leading the group in prayer and song.

"This is one lady who is proud to be African and will not stop at any cost. Emmy is not only a blessing to the Kosgey family, Kalenjin community and Kenya but the world as a whole,’ said Bishop Jonah Obonyo.

The MC Njugush then introduced Jimmy Gait on stage saying: "The next person on stage ametoka mbali". The triple Groove award winner wasted no tie and got everyone dancing with his song Muhadhara and some of his latest hits. Other performances were by Mercy Masika, Eunice Njeri, Lilian Rotich, Betty Bayo, Alpha Becky and Charity Tajeu.

In between their performances Emmy and her group thrilled revellers with one or two songs. She also used the opportunity to thank her sponsors and supporters. When the big moment of the video album launch came —Emmy’s dreams were finally realised as the crowd cheered enthusiastically. The concert was not only entertaining but also spiritually uplifting.