This archive report was first published on 3 December 2019.
Heavy rains forced the relocation of the Koroga Festival from its open grounds to the Bomas of Kenya Auditorium on December 1, 2019, but the event still managed to bring together fans of Rhumba and Ohangla music for an unforgettable afternoon.
Congolese songbird Mbilia Bel and Kanda Bongo Man, the 'King of the Soukous dance rhythm,' were the main attractions of the festival, which was attended by veteran radio presenters 'Uncle' Fred Obachi Machoka and Leonard Mambo Mbotela.
Kenyan artistes Steve Kaya and Emma Jalamo kicked off the event with a nearly hour-long performance, backed by a live band, dancers, and drummers. Their dancers showcased the influence of Gengetone music, much to the delight of the revellers.
However, the event was not without its hiccups. A DJ set that lasted nearly 40 minutes was met with lukewarm reception, and Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Sports Amina Mohamed received a hostile welcome when she took the stage.
Despite the sound system glitch, Mbilia Bel delivered a 50-minute performance that kept her fans on their feet, singing along to hits like 'Nakei Nairobi.' Kanda Bongo Man, who last performed in Kenya in 1991, took the stage at 8:50pm and treated his fans to famous hits like 'Monie, Muchana' and 'Sweet Elizabeth.'
Despite the challenges posed by the weather and technical issues, the Koroga Festival still lived up to its hype, leaving fans with a memorable experience and a rhumba-like feeling in their hearts.
