Kenyan university tops Kenya Music Festival with impressive showings
In a spectacular display of talent and cultural heritage, Kenyatta University demonstrated dominance at the Kenya Music Festival 2025. The university's choir, under the leadership of Dr. Isaiah Oyugi and Dr. Elizabeth Andago, delivered outstanding performances, original compositions by students and staff, and made a significant impact on preserving and celebrating Kenya's cultural heritage.
The university's choir, a brainchild of Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro, showcased nearly fifty pieces, ten of which were previewed prior to the national event held in Meru County. The performances included student, alumni, and staff-composed songs, highlighting creative contributions fostering local culture.
Kenyatta University's dominance was affirmed as they earned the highest number of awards at the festival. The event emphasised artistic excellence tied to cultural heritage, with Kenyatta University functioning as a key contributor to sustaining Kenya's musical traditions through both performance and composition.
One of the standout performances was a song titled Nyasembo, written and directed by Elijah Adongo. This all-time hit song by Odongo Swag was sung by soloists Paul Maina and Bill Clinton, leaving the audience on their feet. Nyasembo is about a missing sweetheart from Asembo Bay.
In addition to their success in the main performances, Kenyatta University also excelled in various categories. Andrew Kizito won the Patriotic Song category, while Clarence Chiira won the Marimba solo Xylophone category. Yvonne Adhiambo, a student at Kenyatta University, won hearts with her amazing vocals, pursuing a Bachelor of Education (Mathematics and Business option) while showcasing talent that would be the envy of many pop musicians.
Moreover, Kenyatta University's African Western Ensemble, directed by Joe Otieno, also claimed victory in the festival. The choir, comprising Kenyatta University performers, won the competition. Anthony Keya composed the special composition 'Automobile Authority of Kenya', which won at the festival, performed by Kenyatta University.
Kenyatta University had 56 entries in the festival, making it the most prolific team. The university has maintained its consistency in the music festival for the last five years, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in artistic expression for sustainable development.
The festival attracted 22 universities, an increase from 7 last year, indicating a growing interest in cultural expression and artistic excellence. Other universities, such as Daystar University, under the leadership of Moses Alubala, were also making significant strides at the festival.
Prof John Wainaina, the supervisor of Kenyatta University's choir, expressed pride in his students' achievements at the Kenya Music Festival. Alubala, a member of Kenyatta University's choir, also expressed optimism about the future of the choir, stating that they have had a great start and are moving in the right direction with numerous wins and trophies.
In summary, Kenyatta University's success at the 2025 Kenya Music Festival was marked by rigorous preparation, a rich blend of traditional and original compositions, and a visible impact on nurturing Kenyan cultural heritage through music. Their success resonated both artistically and culturally, reinforcing their prominent role in the national music scene.
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- Kenyatta University's dominance extended beyond the music festival, with their choir showcasing their talents in various areas, such as education-and-self-development, lifestyle, and entertainment.
- In the field of education-and-self-development, a student named Yvonne Adhiambo, from Kenyatta University, won hearts with her amazing vocals while pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree with a focus on Mathematics and Business.
- The lifestyle sector also witnessed Kenyatta University's influence, as their choir's performances highlighted creative contributions that fostered local culture and preserved Kenya's cultural heritage.
- The sports arena was not left untouched by Kenyatta University, as their African Western Ensemble, directed by Joe Otieno, won the competition they participated in at the festival.
