Nation Building and Cyberspace Security Highlighted at Kenya Music Festival.
The 96th Kenya Music Festival at Moi Girls’ School in Eldoret became a vibrant stage for messages of nation-building and cybersecurity. With performances reflecting the importance of patriotism, peace, and the responsible use of technology, the festival resonated deeply with its audience. Notably, the festival occurred against the backdrop of recent youth protests and the storming of Parliament, underscoring the urgency of the themes explored.
Kagumo Teachers Training College stood out with their choral presentation titled “Tuunganishe Kenya Pamoja”. Through this performance, they emphasized Kenya’s beauty—highlighting its wildlife, resources, and people. The college urged the audience to unite as one people to build the nation. They stressed that protecting the nation’s integrity is essential, urging everyone to shun tribalism and corruption, which divide citizens and weaken national unity.
Kitui Teachers Training College echoed this sentiment with a cautionary tale for Kenyans. They warned against taking peace for granted, using examples of war-torn African nations to illustrate how quickly hard-earned peace can be lost. Their performance, delivered in Kiswahili, emphasized the importance of preserving the nation’s hard-earned peace, reminding the audience that peace, once lost, is difficult to regain.
Equally compelling were the performances addressing the responsible use of cyberspace. In today’s digital age, technology can either strengthen or weaken the fabric of society, and students were reminded of this reality. The digital world offers vast opportunities for learning and connectivity, but it also comes with significant risks, especially for young users.
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S.A Joytown School performed “Moto Wangu”, a piece by Austine Muhati, which tackled the dual nature of the internet. While the internet facilitates learning by providing easy access to educational resources, it also exposes users to harmful content. The school highlighted the community’s role in safeguarding learners from online dangers such as violence, explicit content, and cyberbullying. Their performance served as a crucial reminder that while technology offers educational benefits, it also requires a supportive environment to protect young users from its darker aspects.
From the coastal region, Kwale Girls delivered a poignant performance that portrayed the tragic consequences of exposure to violent online content. Their presentation illustrated how some youths, influenced by such content, have resorted to suicide or even homicide. This powerful message was further reinforced by Kirembe Secondary School, whose performance, “Nidhamu Mtandaoni” by Vincent Nyaoka, warned of the deadly allure of the internet.
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The festival was not only about serious themes but also about celebrating talent and culture. *Kipsigis Girls* from Rift Valley emerged victorious in their category, winning the golden trophy presented by Mzee Samuel Kimetto Rugut, the father of First Lady Rachael Ruto. Their win was a testament to the energy, confidence, and creativity displayed by all participants throughout the festival.
The festival’s stages were filled with lively and spectacular performances, reaching a thrilling climax as schools competed for top honors. The diversity of performances—from traditional dances to pop gospel—showcased the rich cultural heritage and artistic talents of Kenya’s students. Traditional dances, particularly from the Maasai and Samburu communities, captured the audience’s attention with their authenticity and vibrant energy.
Ololulung’a Boys High School from Narok delivered an outstanding performance in the Maa traditional dance category, scoring an impressive 92 percent. Their rendition of “Siyaya”, a Maasai dance celebrating heroic morans during successful cow births, earned them top honors. Mark Parsampei, their guide, explained that the choice of the “Siyaya” dance was intentional, aiming to celebrate the achievements of individuals who contribute positively to society. Parsampei attributed their success to meticulous preparation, unique costumes, and a commitment to originality.
Narok High School secured second place in the same category with a 90 percent score. Meanwhile, Najile Boys from Kajiado captivated the audience with their performance of “Entim ang Oolowu arak” (Forest of Lions), a Maasai song honoring morans who protect cattle from lions. St. Charles Nyansabakwa from Nyanza also made a strong impression with their presentation of “Nkitangai nangor” (My Beloved Cow), a song that praises the Maasai’s most valued resource—the cow.
In the Samburu traditional dance category, schools from Nairobi and Isiolo brought their A-game. Agape Hope Schools from Nairobi performed “Mating’idata”, a song celebrating Samburu traditions. Labari Shereki Secondary School from Isiolo presented “Singolio Sidai”, a Samburu folk song traditionally sung during male circumcision ceremonies. Alex Alava, the school’s trainer, noted that the choice of the Samburu song was driven by its uniqueness, and their natural, well-selected attire added to the authenticity of their performance.
The festival also featured various other categories, including pop gospel and zilizopendwa (a blend of traditional African music and Congolese rumba). Friends Vihiga High School triumphed in the pop gospel category with their rendition of “Icyambu”, originally performed by Israel Mbonyi. Chavakali High School took the top spot in the zilizopendwa category with a live accompaniment, showcasing their musical prowess.
As the festival continued, schools eagerly competed for the coveted top positions in their respective categories. The event culminated in the much-anticipated State Concert, scheduled for Friday, which promised to be a grand finale celebrating the best of Kenyan music and culture.
In conclusion, the 96th Kenya Music Festival at Moi Girls’ School Eldoret was more than just a showcase of talent. It was a powerful platform for promoting nation-building, peace, and cyberspace security. The festival’s performances underscored the importance of unity, the dangers of tribalism and corruption, and the need for responsible use of technology. Through music and dance, the festival participants conveyed messages that resonate deeply with the challenges facing modern society, making the event not only entertaining but also profoundly impactful.
Nation Building and Cyberspace Security Highlighted at Kenya Music Festival.
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