Daystar University Choir Triumphs at Kenya Music Festival 2024

By Joe Aura, aurajoe6@gmail.com

Daystar University Choir emerged victorious at the recent Kenya Music Festival 2024, held from August 5 to 12 at Moi Girls High School in Eldoret, showcasing their talent under the theme ‘Talent Development for Growth of the Creative Economy’. Despite being newcomers, the choir made a significant impact, particularly in the Live Instrumental Accompaniment Choir category, where they performed Zilizopendwa and claimed victory over music giants Kenyatta University, known for being the first institution to offer a Bachelor of Music degree in Kenya.

Since its inception, The Kenya Music Festival continues to celebrate the nation’s musical heritage, breaking barriers, embracing diversity, and inspiring optimism for the future. This annual event, organized by the Ministry of Education, showcases students’ talents in music, dance, and elocution.

Daystar University’s participants excelled across various categories.  In Class 2018P – Public Speaking, Hanifa Chelagat secured first place while Victor Mumo came in third. Abdul Shaban claimed first position in Class 2515P – Arabic Verse Speaking. The choir performed remarkably in multiple categories, taking first place in Class 893 – Live Instrumental Accompaniment Choir, and sixth place in Class 894 – African Gospel Music. Additionally, in Class 1114P – Woodwind Own Choice, Ridge Abach placed second while Hanifa Chelagat finished fourth. In Class 1135P – African Drum Solo, Miriam Wambui and Abdul Shaban took fifth and sixth positions respectively. Their success earned them an invitation to perform at the 2024 Kenya Music Finalists concert, held at Moi Girls’ High School in Eldoret on August 12th, where the choir performed in Class 893 and Class 894. They were also invited to the prestigious State Concert on August 16th but will be unable to attend due to funding challenges from the university.

Among the standout performers was Abdul Shaban, former Editor-in-Chief of The Involvement and a talented tenor saxophonist. He participated alongside alto saxophonists Hanifa Chelagat and Simon Mugoshi, Pamba on the drums, Obadiah Bahizire on the keys, Timothy Muindi on bass guitar, and other choir members singing bass, alto, and soprano. Their collective pride was in clinching the top spot in this prestigious category.

Shaban reflected on their victory, saying, “As first-timers, we have overachieved, beating Kenyatta University and being invited to perform at the finalists’ concert is a huge accomplishment”.  The choir’s remarkable performance earned them a coveted invitation to the State Concert, although they will be unable to attend due to funding challenges. Nonetheless, the choir’s success marks a milestone in Daystar University’s musical journey and sets the stage for greater achievements in the future.

Performance overview:

Position 1
1. Class 893 – Live Instrumental and Vocal Performance
2. Class 2018 P- English Public Speaking – Hanifa Chelagat
3. Class 2515P- Arabic Verse – Abdul Shaban
4. Class 2315P – French Solo Verse – Salamar Adolwa
5. Class 2415P – French Public Speaking – Lucien Dedeten

Position 2
1- Class 1107 , Piano Duet- Miriam Wambui and Judy Nyaga
2- Class 114 P Bass Solo- David Oketch
3- 1114P- Woodwind Solo- Ridge Abatch

Position 3 
1. Class 114 P – Bass Solo Lucien Dedeten
2. Class 833- Original Composition – Mixed Choir

Position 4
1. Class 867- Equity Anthem – Mixed
2. Class 836- Advanced Arrangement – Mixed
3. Class 891- From Africa and Earlier- Mixed
4. Class 1114P- Hanifa Chelagat

Position 5
1. Class 1135P – African Drum Solo – Miriam Wambui
2. 814- Adaptation and arrangement- Female
3. Class 112 P – Alto Solo

Position 6
1. Class 894- African Gospel Music
2. Class 1135 P- African Drums Solo- Abdul Shaban

Class 112P- Alto Solo -Sharon Gatete

Class 112 P- Alto Solo- Gloria Bwamula

Class 112P- Alto Solo- Praise Makena

The success of Daystar University’s team at the 2024 Kenya Music Festival would not have been possible without the dedication and support of key individuals. Special appreciation goes to Mr. Moses Alubala, the Choir Director, and Mr. Muyale Inzai, the Choir Trainer, for their tireless efforts in guiding and honing the choir’s talents. Madam Jacqueline Wesonga, who managed the finances, played an essential role in ensuring the team’s logistical needs were met. We also extend our gratitude to the supporting lecturers, Madam Muthoni Njenga and Mr. Bill Rowe, whose encouragement and expertise contributed significantly to the team’s achievements.

The Kenya Music Festival continues to showcase the country’s rich cultural diversity and artistic development, echoing the proud tradition of musical excellence that began in the early post-independence years. Artists like Fundi Konde, Daudi Kabaka, and Fadhili William used traditional folk music to promote unity and cultural pride. In the 1970s, Benga music, popularized by Daniel Owino Misiani, Joseph Kamaru and Them Mushrooms, captivated audiences with electrified guitars and modern production techniques. The 1990s saw the rise of Kapuka music, blending traditional sounds with Western influences, while artists like Eric Wainaina and Nameless resonated with the youth by addressing politics and cultural identity. By the 2000s, technology catapulted Kenyan music to global recognition, with artists like Sauti Sol, Nyashinski, and Victoria Kimani representing Kenya’s rich cultural narrative on the world stage.

Today, Daystar University students carry this mantle forward, as their success at the Kenya Music Festival reflects the legacy of Kenya’s evolving musical landscape and their promising role in the nation’s creative future. Music remains a great way of expressing our feelings not only our culture.  It has the capacity to speak more than words and influence the emotions of the listeners.

From the Involvement team it is kudos to Daystar university students who participated in the festivals.