Fresh from dazzling audiences at the 97th Kenya Music Festival in Meru, the country’s top school and college performers are set to showcase their talents once again this time before President William Ruto.
The winners will headline a special State Concert at State lodge Sagana on Saturday, bringing together the finest acts from across Kenya in a celebration of music, culture, and creativity.
The event will feature an all-star lineup drawn from the 35 best performances of the festival, representing Kenya’s cultural diversity from pre-primary to university level, as well as teachers’ choirs and polytechnic ensembles.
Celebrating Kenya’s Musical Excellence
Leading the line-up is Alliance High School (Secondary, Kiambu, Central), whose Class 1120K Woodwind/Brass Ensemble wowed judges with precision and harmony. The energy of Kenya’s youngest performers will come alive through Soin Crest ECD (Pre-Primary, Kericho, Rift Valley) with an African-style singing game. Holy Innocent Tassia Pre-Primary (Nairobi) presenting a Western-style version of the same genre. Little Friends Academy (Primary, Nakuru, Rift Valley) will present a special composition on “Developing the Creative Economy Through Creativity and Imagination in Music and Elocution.” At the same time, Moi Forces Academy Junior School (Nairobi) will perform under the theme “Equity.”
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From the Coast, Kaya Tiwi Secondary (Kwale) will render a Qaswida Islamic religious song for secondary schools, and Gendia Secondary (Homabay, Nyanza) will perform an African folksong with sacred text. Teachers’ artistry will shine as TARBAJ Teachers Training College (Wajir, Northeastern) performs Somali, Borana, Nubian, Orma, and Bajuni cultural group dances.
Showcasing Rich Cultural Heritage
Kenya’s ethnic traditions will be on full display through a variety of dances. Kalkalcha Junior School (Wajir, Northeastern) and Dakabaricha Secondary (Marsabit, Eastern) will present dances from the Somali, Borana, Nubian, Orma, and Bajuni communities. Nkuene Boys High School (Meru, Eastern) will perform a Kikuyu traditional dance. At the same time, Muthetheni Girls High School (Machakos, Eastern) will showcase dances from the Akamba, Mbeere, and Embu communities. Tigoi Girls High School (Vihiga, Western) and Kibabii University (Bungoma, Western) will each deliver Luhya and Suba dances. Ang’orom Junior School (Busia, Western) will sing a folksong from the Ateso community, and Ng’ombeni Secondary (Kwale, Coast) will perform Mijikenda, Taita, Pokomo, and Makonde dances. From Nyanza, Taragwiti Junior School (Migori) and Eramba Mixed Secondary School (Kisii) will present Gusii and Kuria dances. At the same time, Kangeso Junior School (Migori) will perform a showcase of Luo, Luhya, and Suba dances.
Diverse Musical Genres on Display
Modern creativity will be celebrated with pop and instrumental pieces. Thika School for the Visually Impaired Junior School (Kiambu, Central) will present a pop talent show, alongside Kiranda Girls Primary (Migori, Nyanza). Ubuntu Academy Leshan Leeni (Primary, Kiambu, Central) will deliver a German solo verse. Ngenia High School (Secondary, Kiambu, Central) will perform a Kikuyu traditional dance. Sosit Girls High School (Bomet, Rift Valley) will present Kipsigis, Nandi, Sabaot, and Ogiek folksongs. Nalemsekon Primary (Turkana, Rift Valley) will perform a Turkana and Pokot traditional dance. At the same time, Olooseos Girls Secondary (Kajiado, Rift Valley) will sing a Maasai, Samburu, Ilchamus, Rendile, and Taveta folksong. Lodekejek Junior School (Samburu, Rift Valley) will perform similar Maasai, Samburu, Ilchamus, Rendile, and Taveta dances.
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From Classics to Contemporary
The Coast’s Music Teachers Choir (Mombasa) will perform taarab, joined by Khasoko Boys Secondary (Bungoma, Western) in the secondary school taarab category. Sigalagala National Polytechnic (Kakamega, Western) will entertain with Zilizopendwa from Kenya. At the same time, Kenyatta University (Nairobi) will adapt and arrange African gospel pop tunes. Senende Boys Secondary (Vihiga, Western) will bring Zilizopendwa with live instruments. Classical and solo acts will also feature—Nkoroi Secondary School (Kajiado, Rift Valley) will present John Momanyi in an advanced violin solo. Moi Girls High School, Mandera (Mandera, North Eastern) will perform a Form 3 solo verse set piece.
A National Showcase for the President
The State House Concert will be more than a performance it will be a display of Kenya’s cultural pride, creativity, and unity. Every act represents not just a school or region. However, a piece of the nation’s identity brought to life before the President, dignitaries, and guests.
By Our reporter
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