Students employ verse to praise crucial role of teachers in society

Students have hailed the role played by teachers in their lives and asked the government to ensure all children have access to a teacher.

This message was carried in performances of elocution pieces at the ongoing 96th edition of the annual Kenya Music Festival at Moi Girls’ High School Eldoret.

Elegant Spurs, a new entrant to the fete moved the audience with their well-projected, coordinated and rhythmic presentation, Mwalimu, written and directed by Felix Kariuki and Nickson Nangide.

In the verse, the persona seeks to have a teacher who is motivated, global and ethical because the work of a teacher holds the future of children and future generations.

St Philip Neri Primary, resplendent in matching Scottish colours, belted their young but tamed voices in praise of the teacher.

Titled, Kumbukeni Mwalimu, the beautifully blended piece is a detailed account on the purpose of teachers in our lives and why that must be recognized and rewarded accordingly.

“We are very pleased with the performance since this is our very first time to come to the nationals and our children have learnt so much from their colleagues across the country,” said Elegant Spurs Director Veronica Lungari.

She lauded the Teachers Service Commission for supporting the theme saying it creates a harmonious relationship between teachers and pupils.

Damacest Primary School from Central, Rabuor Primary from Nyanza, Mwea Primary from Eastern and Magoso Primary from Nairobi had delightful performances in the category of African Styles children play songs.

Bar Union had a Nilotic rendition of play songs including Oyieyo Paka Dwa Mako Oyieyo, a popular tune that popular Congolese musician Kanda Bongoman used in one of his hits.

Creation Academy from Isiolo did it in style with the depiction of a herdsman taking care of his cattle and keeping the herd from harm’s way.

So was Carol Academy from Nakuru with their Gikuyu-inspired play songs as they displayed beautiful beads and headgear to bring out the mood.

In the adjacent hall, pupils were showcasing Oriental dances such as St Bhakita’s presentation Bolechudian, performed during happy occasions including birthday parties.

Kamheso Comprehensive turned up in traditional Ramogi regalia performing with supple bones in a graceful fashion depicting old men welcoming back home their heroes after a victorious battle.

Percussionists Dickens Hillary, Elijah Juma, Davidson Okoth Elvis Reagan Nyangoma were in their element as they provided the much-needed beats.

And didn’t soloist Byron Junior lead from the front, commanding his troops to a creative dance formation as choreographed by Francis Oswago!

From Shanzu Josma Junior School, the audience was entertained to a piece Niache, which depicts a young pupil eager and driven to draw and paint his cow.

The student says the only way to appreciate the cow for producing milk for his family and keeping the family healthy through the rich nutritious product, is to be allowed to have an artistic impression of the cow on canvas.

Old Time Religion, a music set piece by All Saints Cathedral was a spiritual journey that reminded us how we came to being and who is truly in charge.

And on the note of human relations came Divine Kids from Isiolo with their piece Vuvuzela with the persona expressing their love for the sister.

I love my little sister| Little Bella I love her| Bella the Vuvuzella| My mother bought her from the Supermarket| My mother told me so, so goes the poem.

It also showed how difficult parents find it hard to explain to their children matters of reproductive health and have a creative way of explaining away the phenomenon of birth to them.

At the same time Kamatungu Primary School Form Eastern entertained with their Burji cultural folk song performed during happy occasions.

In this class, Sikri Primary from Nyanza had a Borana folk song performed by young girls during a wedding ceremony with Chuka Township Primary raising the bar with a tantalizing performance which earned them a standing ovation.

The Executive Secretary of the Kenya Music Festival Janet Lang’at thanked corporates for supporting the event.

“With these austerity measures we can’t manage on our own given the festival is a such a big event,” she said as Equity Bank presented a cheque of Sh2.3 million.

Other sponsors include the Communications Authority, Ministry of Health, Kenya Wildlife Service, Uraia, Anti Counterfeit Agency, Office of the Data Protection Commissioner among others.