Potent Platform for Performance-4th Annual Children of Kibera Music Festival

4^th Annual Children of Kibera Music Festival

 

June 22^nd and 23^rd marked Children of Kibera’s 4^th Annual Music Festival.  Twenty-three (23) schools came out on both days and wowed us with their performances.  The festival was hosted at Kibra Academy for the fourth year in a row.  Their large field and great location made everything very accessible for competitors and spectators.    

 

Tents, judges, competitors, and spectators!

Other local organizations also participated in the festival by setting up booths and spreading their message.  Partnering with other organizations and helping the people of Kibera learn about different programs and services is something that we believe is important at Children of Kibera. 

 

A representative from the Africa Health and Community Program

 

The Uweza Foundation had a very popular table

Children of Kibera Foundation’s next door neighbors, Ghetto Light, brought representatives

 

USAID| Kenya brought information about their Kibera Gender-Based Violence Outreach Project

This year’s theme was “Responsible Leadership in Elective Positions.”  The purpose of this theme and the resulting performances were to promote patriotism, civic awareness, and peaceful elections through the creative performing arts.  During Kenya’s last election, in 2008, disputed results and tribalism caused violent eruptions of protest around the country.  Kibera was heavily affected by the conflicts and many people were injured and/or displaced.  The performances during this Music Festival reminded people to choose their future leaders wisely and promote peaceful elections in 2013.

Performances were divided into three categories: Solo Verse, Choral Verse, and Dance Performance.  Both primary and secondary schools competed in each category.  Many presented traditional dances from different areas of the country, while others focused specifically on the theme of electing responsible leaders.  There were many talented performers of all ages that showed their dedication to the performing arts as well as strong work ethic and creativity.  The following photos show some of the performers in action! 

 

 

 

The event also featured local rappers, comedy troupes, and musicians. 

 

This local comedy troupe also served as MCs 

 

Children of Kibera’s own High School Scholar Mohammed performed

 

Christian boy band, BMF, performed a number of their radio hits and invited a bunch of the kids to dance with them

 

Local media outlets also showed up to cover the event

 

Spectators of all ages look on

On Friday, judges reviewed every performance and invited the top 6 back the following day.  Saturday was filled with tense competition as the top students in each category performed again for the judges.  Every school that participated received a voucher that could be used towards school supplies.  Trophies and additional vouchers were given to the top students in each category.  As students waited to hear the results, tension mounted.  When first, second, and third place were called, students and teachers ran from their seats to receive their prizes. 

Overall, the music festival provided an opportunity for youth in Kibera to showcase their talents and promote non-violent elections in Kenya.  The Children of Kibera Foundation continually looks to create opportunities that benefit students by giving them a free platform to improve their