This archive report was first published on 12 August 2019.
On the ninth day of the Kenya National Music Festival at Kabarak University, patriotism was the dominant theme. The event, which took place on Sunday, featured a range of performances that showcased the nation's love for its country.
One of the standout performances was Thomas Wesonga's classic song "Tushangilie Kenya," which was featured in the class of music set piece on patriotism. The song, which was virtually an anthem during the rule of Retired President Daniel Arap Moi and the Kanu party, brought back nostalgic memories for the audience, especially those of the older generation.
Wesonga, who composed many songs in praise of Moi and Kanu, including "Tawala Kenya tawala," said that "Tushangilie Kenya" was his greatest hit and is still played in national functions to date. The song was chosen by the festival organizers to nurture patriotism among the participants.
Among the institutions that performed were St Marks Obambo Secondary School, St Ignatius, Erisia, Bumumba, and Sosinja. The performances were not limited to the schools, as secondary schools mixed choirs also participated in another category where the Kenyan national anthem was performed.
Kenya Music National Music Festival executive secretary Ruth Agesa pointed out that many Kenyans do not know all the lyrics of this national song that embodies the essence of Kenya and its nationalism. "It is sad that many people, especially the youth, cannot sing this simple yet profound song which, like the national flag, signifies our Kenyaness," she said.
Other notable performances included St Peters High School, Makueni Girls and Mwaani Boys, St John’s Boys and Mukumu Girls, Moi Girls and Sunshine Secondary School, Loreto Limuru Girls and Lenana School, and Thika School for the Visually Impaired. The pairing of schools promoted unity and cooperation, and the performances were judged on factors such as balancing of voices, costumes, and presentation.
Meanwhile, in the bands category, Nairobi School, Starehe Boys and Mang’u High School took top honours. The reasons for their success were simple: they have active bands that perform at school, national, and other functions.
