Kenyan schools shine at East African Music Festival

Music became a language of unity, transcending borders and generations. It was inspiring to witness learners from different ethnic backgrounds embracing cultural rhythms, tackling contemporary themes such as global warming, and reimagining traditional forms for today’s audiences.

Kenya, with its diverse blend of schools and talents, took the stage in dazzling fashion. From gospel harmonies to folk dances, orchestral brilliance to contemporary hits, learners carried with them the heart of their communities and the pride of a nation.

The little-known school from Nairobi, the Karen C Girls Secondary School in Nairobi emerged as a powerful force, dominating the festival with sterling performances in three categories.

Their first performance was a worship pop song, Butu na Moyi (Night and Day), originally sung by Makoma and arranged by Pastor Fanuel Demesi. The girls’ voices rose in harmony, filling the arena like a living cathedral.

Drawing on metaphors of clay and water, the song painted a picture of a closeness that could never be broken whether between two souls or between a believer and God.

The words “Nako kanga butu na moyi” (I cry out night and day) and “Nafukami liboso na nayo” (I kneel before you) ushered in the mood of worshipful experience in the festival. It was not just a performance, it was a sacred moment with learners singing their hearts out reminding the audience that it was not just a competition but a time to find heavenly divine.

The following day, Karen C Girls staged another masterpiece with Shisanya, a Tiriki folk tune arrangement. The song tells the story of a newly married woman who feels neglected in her marriage.

Her husband sneaks out of the house every night, returning at dawn. To her dismay, she discovers that he has inherited his father’s witchcraft and even sleeps on his father’s bed, an abomination in the community. In anguish and frustration, the woman vows to leave the marriage.

Through tight choreography, deep vocal harmonies, and a theatrical presentation, the girls captured every emotion of betrayal, lament, and defiance. The judges were convinced, awarding them the win for their authentic interpretation and stage power.

Behind their success was Pastor Demesi, the group’s trainer, who has instilled a culture of discipline and excellence and says the motto, “Practice hard and perform easy,” guided the learners’ preparation.

“The girls’ discipline, determination, and hard work has enabled them to continue scaling high in their performances. Every day is new to them and we give glory to God,” he said.

Their principal, Beatrice Otieno, reflected on their journey noting that with the transition to Competency Based Education, the school has invested heavily in nurturing learners' talents.

“I am a very proud principal. My great desire has been to nurture the girls in co-curricular. My girls went to the national and conquered. With my girls headed to Uganda, it took the hand of God. It’s not just about the competition, it's about teaching our children to use their talents to glorify God,” she said.

From Machakos came Muthetheni Girls, who transported the audience into the heart of the Kamba community with their rendition of the iconic Kilumi dance.

Traditionally performed during harvests and communal celebrations, Kilumi is both a prayer and a thanksgiving ritual.

The stage vibrated with the sound of the Kilumi drum, whose deep resonance dictated the dancers’ rhythm. The girls, adorned in colorful beads and traditional attire, moved in graceful unison. Their ankle bells jingled as they circled, creating a spectacle of beauty and cultural pride.

The dance embodied harmony, unity, and gratitude with every call-and-response chant, the audience could feel the community spirit of the Kamba. It was not merely a performance, but a window into the living heritage of one of Kenya’s oldest traditions.

The Sosit Girls offered forgiveness to a prodigal daughter through Chepkinoyo, a traditional Kipsigis folk song.

The piece is sung by women to welcome back a girl who had been lost but has finally returned home after many years.

The performance was an outpouring of harmony and compassion with learners blending blended voices into a chorus of joy, forgiveness, and acceptance, weaving a timeless message: love one another, coexist, and embrace reconciliation.

For the audience, it was a reminder that music is not only about melody, but also about healing broken bonds.

From the coastal region came Ngomeni Secondary School, representing the Mijikenda through a vibrant traditional dance. 

The performance, punctuated by pulsating drum rhythms and the colorful attire of the dancers, was a carnival of coastal life.

Movements were graceful yet powerful, radiating joy and togetherness. For many in the Ugandan audience, it was a rare chance to glimpse the richness of Mijikenda traditions, a heritage both unique and enduring.

Few schools carried such versatility as Senende High School, who brought both nostalgia and modernity to the stage. Their Zilizopendwa performance featured a live band breathing the fresh life of Muzina, a classic by Tabu Ley Rochereau. It was a glowing tribute to a maestro who shaped the sound of East and Central Africa.

But Senende did not stop there. They also turned to contemporary music with Sauti Sol’s Friend Zone. The song tells the bittersweet story of a man in love with a woman who only sees him as a friend, leaving him to drown his sorrows in alcohol while comparing his longing to the depths of the sea.

Through their soulful vocals, Senende captured the pain of unrequited love, connecting modern audiences with themes as old as time.

Their set closed with Nakufa by Okello Max, performed with raw emotion and lyrical power. The song speaks of love, vulnerability, and the struggle to express overwhelming feelings.

The two songs side by side showcased Senende’s ability to navigate both golden-era classics and contemporary sounds, proving that young performers can bridge generations through music.

Alliance High School took the stage, with an instrumental ensemble. Their woodwind and brass ensemble performed Into the Storm, a commanding piece that highlighted orchestral versatility.

The young musicians demonstrated precision, discipline, and artistry with the performance leaving the audience in awe, proving that Kenyan schools are not only masters of traditional music but also adept at Western classical forms.

From Marsabit came Dakabaricha High School, representing the Borana with their traditional wedding dance, Shube Daima Lawe. Performed by morans, this dance celebrates the bride, praising her beauty, dignity, and the honored place she holds in her new family.

With vigorous synchronized steps, chants, and rhythmic stomping, the morans staged a ritual of blessing. The performance was both cultural art and social statement, affirming the Borana’s deep-rooted values and traditions.

The festival featured a wide range of other Kenyan schools including Moi Boarding Masalani Junior Secondary from Wajir, Narok High School, Moi Girls Isinya, and Bunyore Girls Mandera High all presentingmemorable items.

Mbita High School delivered a moving narrative, while pieces selected from the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival added flair: Fesbeth School, Kisumu Girls, Laiser Hill Schools, Lions School, and Moi Mbiruri presented plays; St. Clare Maragoli Girls delivered a dance; Sameta High wowed with a mime; Ramba High performed a choral verse; Endarasha offered a solo dance; Kanyuambura entertained with comedy; and Garissa High showcased a documentary.

Kirangari Boys presented a feature film, while Rae Kanyaika Secondary and Kangaru School brought creative cultural and modern dances respectively. Alliance Girls and Sega Girls performed spoken word.

The 97th Kenya Music Festival, which fed into this regional showcase, had already brought together thousands of learners, teachers, and stakeholders over two weeks.

Uganda’s hosting gave the performances an even broader audience, where sacred folk songs, nostalgic classics, and innovative modern pieces blended into one grand celebration.