As the curtains fall at the 98th Kenya National Music Festivals at Kibabii University in Bungoma County, teams from universities across the country have scooped awards in different categories in the competitions.
The theme for this year’s event is “Enhancing the Creative Economy through Knowledge, Skills and Artistic Production for Sustainable Development’’.
This year’s festival attracted the highest number of participating universities in recent years, making the University’s achievement even more notable.
Among the institutions participating are Kenyatta University (KU), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Mount Kenya University (MKU), Egerton University, Daystar University, Karatina University and University of Nairobi (UoN).
Others are Kabarak University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University, University Of Embu, Masinde Muliro University, Cooperative University, Dedan Kimathi University, Alupe University, Machakos University, Multimedia University, Kibabii University, Technical University Of Mombasa, Rongo University, Maseno University, St. Paul’s University, Turkana University College and Kaimosi University
MKU’s creative arts groups proved their dominance at the festivals, delivering a sterling performance that earned an impressive tally of 19 overall positions.
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The institution also took 25 second-place finishes and 14 third-place positions. The university’s choirs and verse teams were virtually untouchable across major categories, from gospel pop adaptations to specialised compositions, cementing the university’s reputation as a powerhouse in artistic excellence.
The university choir showcased exceptional talent, securing top honours in the “Zilizo Pendwa” category with live instruments, along with wins for adaptation and arrangement of popular gospel pop tunes, including pop secular tunes from Kenya “Zinazovuma”. They also topped in a special composition sponsored by Equity Group that earned a prize of Sh100,000.
The institution’s team also claimed victory in the Office of the Data Protection Commission-sponsored class and were placed third in the Central Bank of Kenya-sponsored set piece, bagging Sh50,000.
Not to be outdone, the Verses team added to the medal haul with wins in the Special Composition for the Communication Authority and a Special Composition on Tuberculosis sponsored by Amref Kenya. They won the French verse, among others
The Dean of Students, Dr Emmanuel Awour, said the team had “exceeded his expectations,” offering his congratulations and best wishes. Team leaders Tracy Mulindi and Brillian Ochieng’, overwhelmed with emotions, attributed their success to divine guidance, patience, and sacrifice. “Through God, our sacrifices have paid off,” she stated, reflecting on the rigorous rehearsal process.
‘‘The collective effort by our teams underscores the depth of talent within the university’s creative arts department,’’ noted Mr William Luta, Head of Sports, Film, Creative, and Performing Arts.
Learners from schools, training colleges and universities across Kenya are competing in music, vibrant Zilizopendwa classics, classical tunes, African choral chants and elocution. President William Ruto is expected to attend a music festival gala where some of the top winners will be showcased.
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A Learning Curve
Despite the remarkable success, the journey was not without challenges. Mr Luta said that while the team was “thirsty for more accolades,” fatigue set in towards the end, affecting concentration. Nonetheless, the future is bright as the team is largely composed of first- and second-year students who have gained invaluable experience that will fuel future competitions.
Poised for Future Glory
With a young and promising squad that has now been battle-tested, the institution’s creative arts group is poised for even greater heights in upcoming competitions. Their latest triumph is not just a collection of trophies but a testament to hard work, resilience, and the vibrant artistic spirit thriving at the university.
By John Kamau
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