The 97th Kenya Music Festival culminated with a prestigious State Gala in Sagana, Nyeri, featuring standout performances before His Excellency President Dr. William Samoei Ruto.
Among the national champions was Vihiga High School from Vihiga County, celebrated for their mastery in the fiercely competitive Zilizovuma category.
The boys delivered a captivating rendition of “Stella,” originally composed by renowned Coastal artist Freshly Mwamburi.
Their performance was electrifying, characterised by impeccable organisation, unmatched energy, and precisely coordinated stage patterns that riveted both the audience and the adjudication panel.
Dressed distinctively in black hats, white gloves, and suspenders, the Vihiga High understood the magnitude of the moment. The energy of a fully packed hall further fuelled their dynamic presentation.
Reflecting on their journey to the national stage, students credited their principal, Mr. Albert Masiolo, as the cornerstone of their success.
“We have a principal who deeply understands and loves music,” shared one performer. “Letting him down was never an option. The Zilizovuma category is intensely competitive, but we believed discipline, hard work, and unwavering focus would carry us through. Many schools gave us tremendous competition from the zonal level right up to Nationals, but we soldiered on to keep our school firmly on the map.”
The festival officially concluded after the State Gala, with stakeholders using the platform to advocate for the establishment of an Academy of Arts and Creative Economy.
This year’s event showcased the immense talent of Kenya’s youth, featuring over 140,000 students competing across 600 diverse performance categories.
Vihiga High’s triumph stands as a testament to the dedication and artistic excellence fostered nationwide.
