Schools shine in Pop Music Talent Show category at Kenya National Music Festival
JFC Munene College of Health Science students present a Scottish dance during the Day 6 of the the Kenya National Music Festival at Meru School on August 9, 2025
Moi High School Kabarak and Moi High School Mbiruri delivered exceptional performances in a newly introduced category at the Kenya National Music Festival—the Pop Music Talent Show—on Day Seven of the event held on Sunday at Meru School.
The two schools presented original compositions in this debut category, designed to give students a platform to showcase their vocal and dance abilities.
It is a highly competitive field that demands performers take personal initiative beyond teacher-led coaching.
The audience was impressed by the instrumental mastery and dance artistry from the two schools.
The category offers students an avenue to explore their creative and artistic potential to the fullest.
AEF Reuben Junior School students perform during Day Three of the Kenya National Music Festival at Meru TTC.
In the mixed instrumentals category, presentations were taken a notch higher. Maranda High School, long celebrated for its academic achievements, proved its strength in co-curricular activities with a unique piece blending African and Western instruments.
Spectators marvelled at the fusion of the Luhya traditional ishiriri with piano, trumpet, violin, and other Western instruments. Maranda High School Principal Edwin Namachanja said he is committed to nurturing artistic talent alongside academic and technical skills.
Ms Margaret Njaaga, Chief Principal of Moi Girls School, which also performed in the pop music category, stressed the importance of cultivating talent beyond academics.
“These pupils can earn a livelihood in the arts, sometimes even more than actors and other professionals. We cannot afford to ignore their talents,” Ms Njaaga said.
Another crowd-pleasing segment was the Kenya Revenue Authority-sponsored category, which drew numerous entries.
Featuring female singers, it aims to raise awareness about the meaning and importance of paying taxes. Schools that stood out included Makueni Girls, Maryhill Girls, State House Girls, Uhuru Girls, and Bishop Njiru.
Marsabit Girls emerged the strongest in the Borana folk song and dance category, dazzling the audience with colourful traditional costumes and instruments.
Veteran festival attendee Joseph Anampiu, a former Kibirichia High School student, praised the event’s growth in both size and scope.
He has never missed the nationals, which this year marks its 97th edition.
“I think this is the best artistic forum for showcasing Kenyan and international music. Every year, you see new and fascinating creations,” Mr Anampiu said.
Linda Rutto of Little Friends Mogotio performs an Indian classical piece during the fourth day of the Kenya National Music Festival at Meru TTC on August 7, 2025.
Universities also took to the stage, presenting original musical compositions by both male and female performers.
Among the participants were the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University Choir, Kabarak University, Machakos University, Masinde Muliro University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University, and Mount Kenya University.
The gala concert is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday at Meru School.
Today, performances under the Uraia Trust-sponsored theme will take place at Kaaga Girls' High School.
