Kenya: Song Pushes for 'Cut' in Aids Fight

Kenya: Song Pushes for 'Cut' in Aids Fight

The Nation (Nairobi)

11 August 2008
Posted to the web 13 August 2008

Anthony Njagi
Nairobi

Performances on the Bukusu circumcision ceremony at the Kenya Schools and Colleges National Music Festival rekindled a debate on the practice as an intervention against HIV and Aids.

Khasoko Secondary School from Western presented an interesting and entertaining rendition of a Bukusu circumcision song.

The song recommended the practice but urged those who carry it out to take safety measures to avoid infections.

The piece explained why the community preserves the practice, demonstrated how it is done and criticised the manner in which it is done in Kitale, becaue it caused harm to an initiate.

The performance by Khasoko Secondary School was well-rehearsed.

The costumes and decor were in line with the occasion.

The dance was performed in a uniform and synchronised manner. Alliance High School and Loreto Limuru Girls kicked off the secondary schools' section with a bang after winning the mixed folk song.

They performed the song Mulamwa Abwori, a tune from the Samia community that was arranged by Gabriel Musungu and conducted by George Atsiaya.

It was in praise of in-laws.

Alliance High School also won in the boys' set piece and bass solo categories.

Starehe Boys' Centre was second in the set piece.

Alliance High School also beat a strong field of performers to emerge winners in the sacred song of own choice category.

Chavakali Boys High School from Western came second and Ingotse third.

In the traditional cultural dances category, Kisii Kebirigo High School carried the day with a well- choreographed dance.

Nyamusic came second. In this category, adjudicator Wycliffe Obiero of Maseno University said some teams had a weak introduction to their pieces.

In the World Vision-sponsored category theme song Dwelling in unity, peace and liberty, the need for a solution to the land issue conflict and dialogue among leaders was expressed.

Nairobi Pumwani, Gathirimu Girls, Katana Ngala High School, Muvuti Secondary School, Archbishop Njenga, Kamobu Secondary, Nyakach Girls and Moi Girls Nairobi presented pieces of high standard.

Kangubiri Girls, Katheka Kai Secondary, St Mary's Nakuru and Sinyolo Girls also performed well.