How Ken Wakia, Nairobi Chamber Chorus landed a spot on Hans Zimmer's tour

Members of the Nairobi Chamber Chorus during their Denmark 2017 tour. Led by Ken Wakia the group attracted full houses wherever they performed (Photo/George Orido)

In the world of classical music, few names resonate as deeply in Kenya and beyond as Ken Wakia. A conductor, educator, and singer, Ken is a familiar face in Nairobi’s music circles, having lent his voice and leadership to the Nairobi Music Society, Nairobi Orchestra, and most notably as the founding director of the Nairobi Chamber Chorus.

In recent months, Wakia and his choir have found themselves on an even grander stage—performing alongside the legendary composer Hans Zimmer on his international Hans Zimmer Live tour.

It’s a partnership that seemed to materialise like a crescendo in a well-written symphony, unexpected but perfectly timed.

“We were discovered by a German production company called BNK Productions,” Ken recalls.

“They weren’t sure of our abilities, so they asked us to send in a recording after giving us a score to perform. They passed it on to a panel, who loved it. That’s how our journey with the World of Hans Zimmer began.” He begins.

For the Nairobi Chamber Chorus, this was not just another gig. It was a leap into the deep end of global performance artistry. Preparing for a tour of this scale required intense work.

The scores are shared ahead of time, and by the time the choir lands in a new city, they were expected to hit the ground running, ready to rehearse with Zimmer’s band, orchestra, and soloists with just a day or two before the first performance.

A conductor, educator, and singer, Ken Wakia is a familiar face in Nairobi’s music circles, having lent his voice and leadership to the Nairobi Music Society, Nairobi Orchestra, and most notably as the founding director of the Nairobi Chamber Chorus. (Courtesy)

 “It’s a huge responsibility,” Ken says. “We train not just musically but psychologically as well, especially since for many members, this is their first time traveling outside Kenya.”

Their role on stage is both vocal and visual. “We’re the choir, providing backup vocals and blending into the choreography,” Ken explains. “We weave in and out of the cast, becoming part of the production’s aesthetic.”

Despite the grandeur of the tour, the personal highlight for Ken has been meeting Zimmer himself.

 “He’s so down to earth. When he talks through his music, you really get a sense of the emotional and creative depth that goes into it. He’s open to reinterpretation, which gives us performers the freedom to be expressive.”

Behind the glamour, there’s a constant current of collaboration. From long rehearsals to shared hotel lobbies, the relationships forged between the choir and international musicians have been as enriching as the performances themselves.

“It’s more than a tour—it becomes a family,” Ken says with a smile.

This international exposure has transformed the identity of the Nairobi Chamber Chorus. From performing in Saudi Arabia to stages across the United States, the experience has opened the choir to global audiences and has also changed how the members see themselves.

 “Saudi Arabia was a surprise,” Ken admits, “we didn’t know what to expect, but the audience was engaged and appreciative. It turned out to be one of our best shows. And the reception in the US? Absolutely incredible.” He intimates.

For Ken, representing Kenyan and African talent on the world stage is both a passion and a mission. “Africa has so much untapped talent,” he says. “All we need is the opportunity and when we get it, we shine. The African child has endless potential.”

While Zimmer’s compositions are often associated with Hollywood’s biggest films, many of them carry a global flavor that invites voices from different cultures.

“Some of his pieces are profoundly African in their musical DNA,” Ken explains. “To bring authenticity, it made sense to have a truly African choir. That authenticity sets this production apart.”

But the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. From the initial disbelief at landing such an opportunity, to the stress of navigating visa logistics, the road to the stage has been winding.

“Fear of the unknown was the first hurdle,” Ken says. “But we’ve had an experienced production team guiding us.”

Ken’s own legacy is already taking shape and through the Nairobi Chamber Chorus, he has created a platform where young Kenyan musicians can discover themselves and launch their careers.

 “Many of our alumni are out there doing amazing things because this choir gave them their start,” he says proudly.

When asked how he personally connects with Hans Zimmer’s music, Ken reflects on its deceptive simplicity. “It’s all about layering and repetition techniques that are emotionally powerful. It’s music that transports you.”

Above all, what keeps Ken deeply connected to choral music is its power to unite.

“There’s something uniquely communal about choral singing,” he says. “Each voice depends on the others. It teaches collaboration, empathy, and discipline. That’s what makes it so beautiful and so necessary in today’s world.”

As the Nairobi Chamber Chorus continues to rise, one thing is clear: under Ken Wakia’s baton, they are not just making music. They’re telling a story of African excellence, one note at a time.

To aspiring musicians, Ken offers advice grounded in experience: “Stay the course. Don’t be overambitious. Discover your niche and build on it slowly. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”