Blind students from the University of Kansas take the spotlight in achieving musical success at a festival.
In an exciting turn of events, this year's 97th National Kenya Music Festival witnessed a remarkable performance by visually impaired students from Kenyatta University. The group, led by Adika Onyango, Paul Manana, and another trailblazer, took the stage by storm with their flawless harmonies and captivating choreography.
The students, who reimagined the Ohangla hit "Nyasembo" by Odongo Swagg, not only showcased their musical prowess but also their creative flair. Under the guidance of their trainer, Dr. Elijah Odongo, the choir transformed the song into a choral piece, bringing a new choral and emotional depth to the popular hit. The performance connected strongly with the song’s cultural roots and resonated deeply with the audience.
The group's exceptional performance earned them the coveted top position in the university category, marking a significant achievement for visually impaired students in Kenya's music scene. Adika Onyango, a fourth-year Bachelor of Education (Special Needs) student, led the choir and felt a personal connection to the song, making their victory even more heartwarming.
Other universities also participated in the competition, including Masinde Muliro University, Moi University, Daystar University, Rongo University, Mount Kenya University, and JKUAT. Each university presented a unique take on popular songs, pushing the boundaries of creativity and technicality.
For instance, Daystar University chose "Ukimuona" for their performance, while Rongo University reworked Sauti Sol's "Money Lover". Mount Kenya University performed "Nikikutazama", and JKUAT electrified the audience with Harry Richie's viral hit "Vaida". Moi University impressed with "Rhumba" by Wanavokali, co-composed by alumnus Melina Miso.
The event not only highlighted musical innovation but also promoted inclusion and artistic integration. Holy Innocents Tasia from Nairobi won in the pre-primary singing games, while Sigalagala National Polytechnic won in the vocational training category with Sauti Sol's "Unconditionally Bae". KICD-sponsored performances also showcased songs from Bishop Linus Okok, Moi Kadzonzo Girls, Highway School, and Keveye Girls.
The festival also saw performances from schools sponsored by Equity Bank, such as Damacrest Secondary, who triumphed in the Equity Bank-sponsored insurance theme. Kitale Polytechnic's performance of Jabidii's "Paukwa Pakawa" delighted the composer with its youthful energy and Sheng.
Fred Ongeri, the arranger of Moi University's performance, praised universities for their innovation in turning pop into choir music. Paul Manana, a recent diploma graduate in music, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their talent on such a platform.
This year's competition challenged universities to reimagine popular hits as choral pieces, pushing creative and technical boundaries. The event not only celebrated musical innovation but also promoted inclusion and artistic integration, making it a resounding success.
The students from Kenyatta University, led by Adika Onyango, Paul Manana, and another trailblazer, not only demonstrated their musical prowess but also their creative flair, as they transformed the Ohangla hit "Nyasembo" into a choral piece that resonated deeply with the audience during the 97th National Kenya Music Festival. In their quest for entertainment, other universities presented unique interpretations of popular songs at the competition, such as Daystar University's rendition of "Ukimuona" and Mount Kenya University's performance of "Nikikutazama."
