Kenyan schools shine at East African Music festival

Kenyan students during the East African Music Festival/photo courtesy

Kenyan schools has taken the stage in a dazzling fashion, shining brighter at the East Africa Regional Music Festival in Uganda.  With its diverse blend of schools and talents, from gospel harmonies to folk dances, orchestral brilliance to contemporary hits, learners carried with them the heart of their communities and the pride of a nation.

The little-known school from Nairobi, Karen C Girls Secondary School in Nairobi emerged as a powerful force, dominating the festival with sterling performances in three categories.

Their first performance was a worship pop song, Butu na Moyi (Night and Day), originally sung by Makoma and arranged by Pastor Fanuel Demesi. The girls’ voices rose in harmony, filling the arena like a living cathedral.

Drawing on metaphors of clay and water, the song painted a picture of a closeness that could never be broken whether between two souls or between a believer and God.

The following day, Karen C Girls staged another masterpiece with Shisanya, a Tiriki folk tune arrangement. The song tells the story of a newly married woman who feels neglected in her marriage.

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Behind their success was Pastor Demesi, the group’s trainer, who has instilled a culture of discipline and excellence and says the motto, “Practice hard and perform easy,” guided the learners’ preparation.

“The girls’ discipline, determination, and hard work has enabled them to continue scaling high in their performances. Every day is new to them and we give glory to God,” he said.

Their principal, Beatrice Otieno, reflected on their journey noting that with the transition to Competency Based Education, the school has invested heavily in nurturing learners’ talents.

“I am a very proud principal. My great desire has been to nurture the girls in co-curricular. My girls went to the national and conquered. With my girls headed to Uganda, it took the hand of God. It’s not just about the competition, it’s about teaching our children to use their talents to glorify God,” she said.

From Machakos came Muthetheni Girls, who transported the audience into the heart of the Kamba community with their rendition of the iconic Kilumi dance. The Sosit Girls offered forgiveness to a prodigal daughter through Chepkinoyo, a traditional Kipsigis folk song.

From the coastal region came Ngomeni Secondary School, representing the Mijikenda through a vibrant traditional dance.

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The 97th Kenya Music Festival, which fed into this regional showcase, had already brought together thousands of learners, teachers, and stakeholders over two weeks.

Uganda’s hosting gave the performances an even broader audience, where sacred folk songs, nostalgic classics and innovative modern pieces blended into one grand celebration.

This year’s East Africa Regional Music Festival has been more than a competition; it was a showcase of heritage, artistry and youthful brilliance.

The festival which ended yesterday, brought together the best of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzanian schools music from August 18 to 22, 2025. Kenyan representatives were drawn from the 97th Kenya Music Festival held earlier this month in Meru County.

During the fete, music became a language of unity, transcending borders and generations. It was inspiring to witness learners from different ethnic backgrounds embracing cultural rhythms, tackling contemporary themes such as global warming and reimagining traditional forms for today’s audiences.

By Juma Ndigo

ndigobrian@gmail.com

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