Music, beauty as Kenyans in the UK mark special event

By Shamlal Puri in London

NAIROBI, KENYA: Hundreds of Kenyans living the United Kingdom celebrated Madaraka Day with pomp and pageantry, with the events mirroring the true face of the Kenyan community.

Around 600 wananchi and their friends also descended upon London to watch the first ever Beauty Pageant Face of Kenya UK 2013 at The Coliseum Suite in Ilford, Essex, east of London, on Saturday, 1 June.

Organiser Janet Wanaina said: “This year’s Madaraka Day was an important milestone as it is “a celebration of Kenya’s 50th anniversary. This is also the day Kenya attained self-rule. This event is a commemorative symbol of a strong relationship between Kenya and Britain.”  

Some 14 contestants drawn from different areas in the UK participated in the beauty pageant. The beauties, some born and brought up in Kenya, also showed their philanthropic side by raising funds for charity. One of them will receive a crown, Face of Kenya UK.

Among the charities benefitting from this event are children’s homes and educational projects in Kenya. Ms Wanaina said 14 philanthropic projects in Kenya would receive funds raised by the girls. Plenty of entertainment was on offer.

Opera singer Louise Kledboi officially opened the event with the national Anthem – showing the importance of integration and sharing cultures.

Night of celebrations

Drums and dance from Malaika Dance Unique reverberated in the hall enticing and engaging the audience.

Gospel singer Ella Ogaga also entertained. Zangi - Acoustic and gospel singer Zangi also appeared.

Artistes Roselyn Catherine Helena Fawns came from as far as Aberdeen, Scotland, some 550 miles from London, took on the task of collaborating with Kenyan artists in the UK.

The organisers said the event was intended to be a night of celebrations, networking and being proud to be Kenyan or associated with Kenya. Dance Unique reverberated in the hall enticing and engaging the audience.

Gospel singer Ella Ogaga also entertained. Zangi - Acoustic and gospel singer Zangi was also billed to appear.

Artistes Roselyn Catherine Helena Fawns came from as far as Aberdeen, Scotland, some 550 miles from London, took on the task of collaborating with Kenyan artists in the UK.

The organisers said this year the Madaraka Day was intended to be a night of celebrations, networking and being proud to be Kenyan or associated with Kenya.