Celebrated Kenyan Choral group leaves for a major U.S Conference

Members of the celebrated Nairobi Chamber Chorus rehearse yesterday under the directorship of Maestro Ken Wakia. The group is set for a series of performances at the America Choral Directors Association Conference in Kansas City this week. [George Orido, Standard]

The Nairobi Chamber Chorus is set to travel to the US this week on the invitation of the American Choral Music Association (ACDA).

The group, under the directorship of Ken Wakia (pictured), made history when it became the first Kenyan outfit to perform on Broadway.

“Congratulations to you and your singers on your exemplary achievement,” read part of the invitation from Sara Lynn Baird, the Performing Choir Chair, ACDA 60th Jubilee Conference 2019.

According to Mr Wakia, the event will take place in the format of workshops and performances and the group will render some of the best arranged Kenyan musical performances.

“We are honoured to receive this invite to be part of the largest choral music event in America and we thank our fans and supporters for the continued journey we are walking together,” said Wakia, who is also the director of the World Youth Choral Music Association.

The performances will be staged at the Muriel Kauffmann Theatre in Kansas City and will include a repertoire of mainly Kenyan songs.

Yesterday, the 23 team members were rehearsing at Weal House.

The songs lined up for the tour include Kingli arranged by Stacy Gibbs, Ii Nyumba ya Mwari Witu by Mike Brewer and Ken Wakia, Safari ya Bamba arranged by Ken Wakia, Kokoliko arranged by Henry Wanjala, Epolo Wanamoramora arranged by Joy Harper, Sigalagala arranged by Sam Otieno and Musa arranged by Ochieng’ Mak’Okeyo.