Good values, cultural heritage and education dominate day four at music fete

"Mimi Bado mdogo niache niende shule," pleads one of the songs rendered in beautiful Swahili dance and poetry as a way to ask teachers, relatives and caregivers to stop preying on young girls and impregnating them, which risks their hope of quality education.

Shockingly Nzoia Sugar Girls Primary from Western won the category, beating coast stalwarts of Consolata Catholic and Sacred Heart Girls and Affarsy Girls.

The oriental Classes registered a rather lower turnout compared to past years and this also affected the standards and quality.

Adjudicator Philip Mbinji from Coast Chorus Music Academy observed that most participants relied on Youtube for sources that at times can be misleading.

"The participant needs to do more research in the classical Oriental classes in the areas of costumes, choice of music and dance styles," Mbinji said.

The halls of Dedan Kimathi University of Technology in Nyeri County were filled with African Cultural Dances sourced from the Luo, Luhya and Suba, communities as schools presented items depicting celebrations during weddings, bumper harvest and other happy occasions.

Dago Kowuor and Nymuga Boys Primary Schools beautifully rendered a Ramogi dance performed by old men to welcome back young warriors from the battlefield.

Dressed in Owalo skirts wearing their faces in uniform makeup to the Egwugwu of the Ibo tradition, the boys gracefully danced to the beats of the drums with supple bones evident in the swift moves.

Cultural dance during the Kenya National Music Festival at Dedan Kimathi University, Nyeri. [George Orido, Standard]

Clad in Blue, red and white garbs and accompanied by a live band of the Marimba, Firimbi, Kipafu, Kigoti and Ngoma, the pupils wore large feathered headgear as they stamped their feet to the beat.

They sang in praise of the bride at a wedding wishing her well with the new husband and wishing them many children
Kisimbaji Primary School took the top position followed by Bostol Shimo la Tewa in this category.

Other schools that performed in the segment were Rockfield Junior from Nairobi, Onjiko Primary from Kisumu, Magomano Primary from the coast, Marura Primary from Nairobi, St George's, Kathithyamaa Primary from Eastern and Jubilee Primary Schools.

According to Adjudicator Prof Rose Ongati of Maseno University, the school made a very good attempt and was well coordinated.

"I think it is a very hopeful and good moment for Kenya to see how schools from every part of the nation are engaging with these idioms, it is the best way to build a peaceful and cohesive society," she said.