Kenya National Anthem

By Mary Mbugua and Meshack Ngangi The Co-operative University of Kenya’s “The Chosen” Choir soared to the heights of victory, leaving an indelible mark at the 3rd Kenya Universities Performing Arts Association (KUPAA) national music, dance, and elocution festivals held between Sunday, March 17, and Friday, March 22, 2024, at Technical University of Mombasa. The highly contested battle of vocals and melodies featured 32 competing institutions of higher learning that presented performances that were nothing short of breathtaking, captivating audiences with their harmonies, passion, and talent. The music, dance, and elocution performances reiterated the festival’s theme, advocating for social responsibility through performing music, dance, and elocution. Among the items performed was the winning patriotic composition “Mkenya Daima,” a class the The Chosen Choir has scooped the winner’s award for two consecutive years. Also, the duet ‘Flowers’ emerged as the first runners-up and the Kenya National Anthem won the second runners-up trophy. Other performances included an arrangement of an African song titled ‘Wanalande,’ a zilizopendwa gospel arrangement ‘Umenibeba.’ An American negro spiritual ‘The Battle of Jericho,’ ‘Then Sings My Soul,’ the East African Community (EAC) anthem, disk jockey (DJ), karaoke, and a solo verse. Harnessing talent is among the University’s top priorities in preparing holistic and competent graduates for the booming creative digital economy.