Calls for divine intervention dominate music fete

“Seek divine intervention for a prosperous nation and good governance.” This was the message for most of the performances in the ongoing Kenya Music Festival at Kabarak University in Nakuru  county yesterday.

The prayers, rich in African heritage and sacred texts, performed by primary schools from various regions carried the message on the importance of involving God in leadership roles in the country.

Kavantanzou Primary School from Eastern region captured the audience with a song ‘Liseme’ by Sarah Kimani, in the original composition category of gospel songs.

Their vocals and style came to life as they presented their rendition of the song with a message that God is Almighty and able to do anything when approached with a clean heart.

In their message, the pupils explained the importance of prayer at a young age, with the society urged to offer guidance.

Moments later, Lokoni Primary School for the Visually Impaired from Coast region stormed the stage with their song, ‘Shujaa wa Msalaba’, originally by gospel singer Rose Muhando.

The pupils’ presentation became a crowd puller with their voices seeming to raise the dust on the podium.

St Georges from Nairobi exalted the name of the Lord in a song of thanksgiving for God’s providence and in humility, asking God for a forgiving heart.

Traditional folk

Performing in the same category were Sega Girls from Nyanza, Bunyende Primary from Western, Hill School, Kililuni and Wanondi Primary.

On the African traditional folk dances, Pungwani Primary from Kakamega beat 17 schools to the coveted music award in class 815H.

The school stole the limelight with a Somali song – Hella– performed during wedding ceremonies. Their swift waist movements, hands clapping and foot stamping was on icing in the cake for the enthralled audience.

The school beat six others from North Eastern region in a song from their area. 

Their teacher, Catherine Juma, said the triumph was down to practice and a determination to become the best adding that their prayers had been answered.

Adjudicators commenting on performances said most schools lacked the original, rich culture in the African folk and sacred songs, lauding presentations from the Luo, Turkana and Giriama as some of the best.

Enhance talent

Meanwhile, legendary music composer Thomas Wesonga has called on the Ministry of Education to enhance talent development in schools to promote music in children at a younger age. 

“The government has a mandate to promote extracurricular activities in schools and talent development to ensure an all round growth,” he said at sidelines of the music festival at Kabarak University. 

Known for the ‘Tushangilie Kenya’ released in 1985 and used as one of the theme songs at the festivals, Wesonga blamed copyright issues for ailing of the sector.