Varsity concert held to preach peace to voters

By Caroline Nyanga

Style, diversity, richness in message and quality was on show during a special event at Metro Hotel situated within Nairobi’s City Centre last Saturday.

The event – one of its kind –organised by students from Moi University – attracted hundreds of revelers to a showcase of music, dance, and poetry competition.

Aimed at uniting the youth, preach peace and promote talent the concert is the first of its kind.

Led by David Isindu, the three judges had a difficult time identifying the best considering the stiff competition.

The stage was abuzz with music and dance activities as early as 6pm for an event scheduled to begin an hour later. Several dance groups, including Inferno Dancers and Kipaji Africa, thrilled the crowd with their scintillating – unique dancing styles. From African traditional sessions, akin to Christian Gospel, to Swahili and a bit of Western culture dances drawn from the rich heritage of the Kenyan people.

The guitar, keyboard, and drum were the main accompaniments.

Slow but rhythmic motions as tambourines filled the air with fanfare.  Mbula Kevin 25, a student from the university vindicated himself as the indisputable guitarist champion after he emerged at the top of other contestants. He took away with him Sh800 and a copy of a certificate. Five other contestants won in various categories, including student   leader Amos Wesonga.

“I am quite happy that things worked out well. The fact that many people turned up for the event is a clear indication that we are on the right track. With elections around the corner it is our duty as the youth (who happen to be the most vulnerable) to unite and embrace peace and love among ourselves and avoid bloodshed,” says Wesonga.

On the other hand an excited Mbula could not hold back his joy as chants of Jaguar! Jaguar! rent the air. Fellow students and fans supported him.

Worthy cause

In the cool but breezy weather, most of the contestants made sure that they gave fans the best to prove that the youth can also come together for a worthy cause. Five contestants walked home with a prize over their head.

“Isn’t it amazing to see how useful our youth can be – if empowered to step up to the plate and participate in nation building activities,” wondered Peter Koigi, a member of the renowned Kayamba Afrika music troupe who was a guest at the event.

As usual some of the contestants were not lacking in drama, as there were selected members to act extraordinarily on stage causing mixed reaction from the crowd.  While others chose to laugh – others were seemingly stunned just wondering what they were up to.

Meanwhile, they sang English and Swahili songs with one going, “Pamoja tunaweza, united we stand, divided we fall,” as encouragement for the youth.

They also sang songs to mock competition, “Wajiona ni mabingwa kweli, kumbe ni maziwa lala!”

Wesonga said the fete held for the first time is aimed at spreading peace among Kenyans especially ahead of the March 4 elections.

“We do not want a repeat of the 2007- 2008 post-elections violence that saw thousands of youth killed in a gruesome manner in the name of bad politics,” he argued.