Strathmore school quartet was second on stage this morning at the Sagana State Lodge. After the national anthem was sung, one of the boys had been selected to do the prayer. Anslem Murimi did the Christian prayer.
After their perfect rendition, which was well received by everyone, they had a photo session with the President. He greated each one of them as their names were read by the MC. The CS Education, Ambassador Dr. Amina Mohammed and the head of the Kenya Music Festival, Mr. Peter Wanjohi posed with them.
“That was an excellent performance! “, said the President.
The boys were over the moon after their performance.

Four Form 4 boys won the first prize in the Kenya National Music Festivals in Nyeri beating a field of 15 other groups in the Quartet Own Choice Category and garnering 94% in their rendition. The quartet made up of Daniel Abate, Simon Bakibinga, Kennedy Maina and Anslem Murimi is set to perform in the winners’ gala on Thursday 16th August in the morning. Join us in congratulating these boys, who’ve been part of the school choir (Vox Leonis) since Form 1, for their sterling performance.

The show kicked off with Caden Maina, Nathan Njenga, Bart Mugambi, Gabriel Kanja and Justin Karanja (S 3) who played a song by Them Mushrooms, ‘Jambo Kenya,’ on recorder. Next came Haydn Nyori Mathew Njogu, Liam Maina, Hugh Nyori, and Gregory Mogesa all in Grade 1, hitting the stage with the famous Christmas season carol ‘We Three Kings’. The first rap song to be presented was ‘Santa Disstrack’ by Logan Paul. It was catchy and was performed by Nathan Njogu, Jeremy Murimi, Dante Echessah, and Kyania Kyule (S 4).
This was closely followed by a piano performance by Owen Bett (S 2), who played ‘Gospel Flare’ and ‘Allegretto.’ Other piano performances were by Emmanuel Njenga (S 3) who also played ‘Gospel Flare’ and ‘Allegretto.’ Kerama Nyanyuki (S4) performed ‘Waltz in G,’ while Alvin Kimathi (S 5) entertained us with the piece ‘Swans on the Lake.’ The trio of Aidan Muiga, Dylan Mungatta and Jeffrey Kamau (G2) later took to the stage with the rap ‘Mans Not Hot’ by Big Shaq, which we must say they did well to pull off.

After that piece of entertainment came Ignatius Maina (G 2) & Enock Maina (S 5), (not brothers) who took a shot at Eric Wainaina’s patriotic song ‘Daima Kenya.’

This year we had a magician all the way from Puerto Rico,  (according to our fancy master of ceremonies). This young boy called Caesar Okumu astonished us with the trick ‘I know your card’ revealing the judge’s card, which was a nine of spades.

Jeremy Gitiba (S 7) later performed a song titled ‘Mama’ by Jonas Blue after Jonathan Mwangi’s (G 2) piano performance, ‘Piano Surlisse.’

The Akwaaba Dance was the climax of the show. Seven boys went on stage filled with energy and danced to the recently released song by  Mr. Eazi. They were: Gabriel Kariuki, John Paul Musundi, Nigel Otieno, Leishery Munene, (S 6), Michael Odhiambo (G 2) and Elvis Githinji (S 5).

Jimmy Mathenge (S 5), sang in a powerful soprano, ‘All of Me’ by John Legend.

Julian Mayieko, Jermaine Muchiri and Michael Karanja (G2) performed a gospel song titled ‘Chosen Generation’, which is a popular hit from 2 years ago.

Then, it was interesting to have a class 5 pupil, Enock Maina, put away his cowardice and sing ‘Coward of the County’ originally by Kenny Rogers, and typically any parent’s favourite artist.

Roman Mburu, Leo Mwagambo, Ryan Khafafa, Adam Otieno, Christopher Kiai and Tyler Maina treated us to a comical skit which they organised on their own, thanks to an idea they got from one of their teachers.

The last performance was by a group of class 5’s who treated us to a rap ‘Black’ without instruments but instead tried having someone beatbox for them.

Truly, the second edition of the Primary Talent Show will be remembered for a long time.

This year aside from the wonderful songs presented, we had a variety of presentations that showed that Strathmore’s got talent:
SPOKEN WORD
This category had two performances, the first titled “Keep on Keeping on” by Douglas Kabui (F 1A). In it he tried to bring out the struggles of a young person who is facing a tough situation at home. He was quite dramatic, dressing up in hospital attire, wrapped in bandages and projecting his voice with great confidence. If any of us ever face a difficult situation we can recall the words of Douglas.
Despite some hiccups, Kennedy Maina (F 4&) braved it out and got back on stage, seizing his second chance and making the best out of it. His message was beautiful; certainly one to hold on to for a long time.

PIANO

Three delightful piano pieces were presented to add variety to the performances. Ian Karanja (F 1&) played “Seven Years Old’ by Lukas Graham, while Ryan Chironga (F2&) played an exotic piece by Andrea Bocelli titled ‘’’Con te partirò’ or ‘Time to Say Goodbye’. Kyle Odula (F 1A) made us hold our breath by playing ‘Turkish March’ which he did almost flawlessly.

RAP

Arthur Lugalia (F 4&) was the only rapper of the day with an own composition. He is really taking his passion to a higher level.

DANCE

The two dances were the more exciting performances of the day. Phillip Njoroge showcased several dance styles. Later, Curtis Oluoch (F 4A), Samuel Gatebi (F 4&), Alex Maina (F 4A) Trevor Mutisya (F 4A) and Kevin Mungai (F 4&) really left the audience cheering with their well synchronized mashup.

BALL JUGGLING

Away from song and dance, we had two soccer lovers Alain Murage (F 4A) and Felix Kikuyu (F 4& ) compete in this category. They displayed  their skills before an admiring crowd.

ACCOMPANIED SONG

This category undoubtedly had the most performances; about nine in total. Each performing group was incredibly gifted as the performers showcased their raw talent ‘live on stage’. Here are some of the most outstanding performances in our view.

‘California King Bed’ was the first item of the day. It was performed by Lewis Muriuki (F 3&).

The song ‘Reckless Love’ by Cory Asbury was incredibly performed by Anslem Murimi (F 4A), with Phillip Njoroge (F4&) providing accompaniment on the keyboard. The song featured as the first and only gospel song proving to be in a league of its own. Indeed, the song proved to be a success passing on its message on God’s love clearly.

Storm Gachoki (F 4&), Andrew Muthotho. (F 4&), Daniel Njuguna (F 4A), Trevor King’ang’i, Michael Kamae and Kevin Miungai (F 4&) sang ‘Kuliko Jana.’ Their rendition of the 2015 hit song by Sauti Sol, was creatively done, with an additional spoken word from Trevor to spice it up. It was indeed ‘from another world’.

Originally done by The Neighbourhood, ‘Sweater Weather’ was performed by Anslem Murimi, Louis Kiguta (F 4&) and Muriithi Mwenda (F 4&). The trio has been performing together ever since they walked into Strathmore, freshly minted from primary. Certainly they did not disappoint in this performance, as their amazing group work spoke volumes for itself.

The song ‘Till The Love Runs Out’ was spectacularly performed by Daniel Abate (F4A) with Louis Kiguta, Michael Kamae and Phillip Njoroge as a worthy accompanying team. Abate’s voice clearly rang out with each rise and drop in tempo proving he is among the more gifted singers in the school.

‘Dark Times’ performed by Hillary Kangethe. (F 4 A) and Daniel Abate proved to be a huge success. The instrumentalists comprising of Muriithi Mwongo, Louis Kiguta and Michael Kamae offered the best support the duo could get.

‘Hallelujah’ by Leonard Cohen was brilliantly performed by Nezar Gatere (F 4A), Gico Ndegwa (F 3A) and Jeremy Njoroge (F 3&). Despite one glitch (which undoubtedly teaches about the danger of trying to hit high notes with a scratchy throat), the song was still well done.

The song, ‘I Have Nothing’ by Whitney Houston was brilliantly performed by Mark Gitaka (F 3&) whose voice was spectacular. To add on to that, there was an act by Victor Mwendia (F 3A) and Nezar Gatere to go with it.

UNACCOMPANIED SONG

This category had only one performance, truly befitting to stand on its own.

The song titled ‘Shosholoza’ was performed by Hillary Kangethe, Anslem Murimi, Simon Bakibinga (F 4A), Emanuel Gacheru (F 4A), Michael Kamae, Phillip Njoroge, Louis Nduhiu (F 4&) and Daniel Abate.

The song is of South African origin and was usually sung to express the hardship of working in the mines. The word ‘shosholoza’ means go forward or make way for the next man. It is very popular among South Africans and is often considered as “South Africa’s second National Anthem”.

The voice output from the singers was great and they consequently received a huge round of applause. Congratulations to all the performers!