The Kenya Music Festival (KMF) erupted to a thunderous start with melodies from Agikuyu, Tharaka and Meru folk dances and songs dominating the first day of the 97th edition of the fete being held at the Meru High School and the adjoining Meru Teachers Training College. 

The young musicians were graceful on stage with beats from ‘Murima’ in beautiful and captivating renditions befitting the idiomatic expressions of the host region. 

What was interesting, though, is that the category involved children from across the nation singing in a vernacular language that was not necessarily their own.

This is a strong role that the festival plays in inculcating national cohesion and unity through the diversity of cultures. 

St Nicholas Boarding Primary School led the celebrations with their folk song II Mwari Kuri Matendoru as they depicted a young person growing in a challenging environment invaded by modernity. 

“Ndaigua imuka uteere mwana arauga inuka akaura,” goes part of the song that loosely translates to, “Parents take good care of children since they are not firewood that after burning, one can go fetch for more”. 

Brave beats 

Elegant Spur Preparatory School emerged winners in the Class 2120HA with a Kiswahili choral verse titled Kataa. 

Blessed Academy duo of Jovial Anne and Kate Angel were formidable soloists as they sang an Agikuyu song celebrating the birthday of a newborn baby. 

Directed by Samuel Muindi, there was not a single indication that the girls were from Western Kenya in their earth brown regalia with bronze accessories, save for the introduction by the day’s Master of Ceremonies, Mr Ahendera. 

Their counterparts from the mountain, Iriani Primary School, wowed the audience with their paced and well-choreographed presentation from the neighbouring Thraka Nithi County, Kitharaka.

The song depicted an initiation ceremony to encourage the initiates to brave the impending knife. 

Kaana ga taata umaumiria (let the baby boy be courageous to face the knife), so went the song. 

Produced by Beatrice Njagi and directed by Salome Muriungi and Chabari Muriungi, the folk song was entertaining with well-coordinated beats and movements. 

Damacrest Primary from Nairobi graced the class with yet another Agikuyu folk performance, Dumo, with Favour Gisa leading an amazing group of young choral musicians singing in praise of the girl child. 

Holistic development 

Earlier in the day, the audience had been treated to singing games by schools including Kabonyo Primary from Nyanza, Mahoo Comprehensive School from the coast region, Narok Comprehensive from Rift Valley, Nderi Primary from Central, Missions of Hope from Eastern, Quest for Happiness from Nairobi and Buchenya Primary from Western, among others. 

This year’s theme is ‘Enhancing the Creative Economy Through Artistic Expression for Sustainable Development’ and will attract over 150,000 participants, according to organisers. 

The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) says the theme aligns strongly with the Competency Based Curriculum, which emphasises creativity, critical thinking, communication and imagination. 

Speaking at the opening of the event yesterday at Meru School, the Director General State Department of Basic Education, Dr Elyas Abdi, noted that the festival was beyond mere competition and that it is a platform for talent development, cultural preservation and lifelong learning. 

“Through CBC’s non-formal learning strand, events like KMF play a key role in supporting learners’ holistic development by nurturing talent outside the classroom,” he said. 

The festival runs up to August 16, 2025, with winners set to entertain the President, who is the fete’s Patron.