Calls for national cohesion dominate Music Festival

Pupils from Eroret Primary School in Kajiado perform a Masaai folk song. [PHOTO: GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD]

The theme of peace and sustainable livelihoods for pastoralists dominated the ongoing Kenya Music Festival yesterday, with pupils from Lokitang Primary School moving the audience with their performance.

The presenters beat a group of competitive opponents that included AIC Lokichogio, Pokotom and Kakuma Mixed primary schools.

In their song, Ekisi, the pupils from Pokotom extolled the importance and sanctity of life.

"Atojongoto akibuk ngakot eruko apai apai, ngirauua daang akuja ngesi ebala," (We should maintain peace because the life of each one of us is precious).

Kakuma Mixed Primary School, also from Turkana, sang Kiramramakisi, meaning "preparing for pasture."

Soloist Benard Emuria praised his livestock and welcomed back other herders who had left the village for greener pastures due to biting drought at home. The dances were characterised by fast movements and sudden changes in direction.

"Pastoralists, we are always on the lookout for danger and a change of direction is informed by alertness," explained Shadrack Lolelea, who teaches dance at Kakuma Mixed.

It was a significance gesture of national cohesion when Okanja School from Kisumu in Ahero ,Nyando, pulled together to give a sterling performance in the same category.

While it was obvious that Okanja was no match for the teams from Turkana, the team passed a strong message - that Kenya is one nation.

"No matter where you come from, we should embrace our diversity. This kind of exchange is good for a peaceful and prosperous future," observed  Simon Peter Otieno who teaches at the University of Nairobi.

Earlier in the day, Mbilini Primary School gave a compelling rendition of an  Akamba folk song to defeat defending champions Eldo Peace in an entertaining class of music from South Eastern Kenya.

Gethsemane, whose approach was angelic and subtle, squeezed between the two to take second place.

From Aberdare, Gatoto Primary School was the best voice blend in the set piece, Oh What a Beautiful Morning, by Richard Rodgers.

The music required proper interpretation of the original scores with all dynamics in place and those who scored closest to Gatoto were Makutano Central Academy from Kapenguria and Talau Primary School.

Maseno Girls were top in the Ethics and Anti Corruption class when they wowed with their piece on integrity, Mbiu ya Mgambo composed by Oyugi Johnson and Ouko Edward.

"Wakenya pesa ambazo zingenufaisha jamii zapotea, tunaweza badilisha
tabia na mtindo huu," (Fellow Kenyans, we are losing money that could be used to help families, but we can change this trend), pleaded the girls.

Crossroads Academy and Rehema Academy were second and third respectively.