Learners showcase talents during Primary Schools’ music festivals

Narok, Tuesday June 20, 2023

by KNA John Kaleke/Eunice Ngatia/ Jackson Rakwa

Learners from Narok North and Central sub counties participated in musical festivals that helped them exhibit talents during primary school music festivals that was held in Maasai Mara University Model Primary School in Narok County.

Featuring an array of remarkable performances by lower grade learners and junior secondary learners, they captivated the audience and celebrated the incredible musical prowess of the young performers.

Ole Sankale Primary School head teacher Nicholas Kimorgo who is also Narok north and central sub county music festival chairman, said they held the event in order to encourage young learners to continue to exploit and nurture their talents.

“Music festivals have not been done for quite some time, Music Festival plays a vital role and helps teachers to spot learners' talents at an early age,” noted Mr Kimorgo.

According to Kimorgo, the festival brought together students from various schools within the subcounty. The air buzzed with excitement as participants eagerly awaited their turn to showcase their musical talents and entertain the audience.

Elizabeth Ng’otiek, Maasai Mara University Model Primary School teacher, said they had hosted over 23 primary schools that drew over 1,000 learners to participate in the event from the sub counties.

“Learners come together to showcase their talents and also learn from one other through poems, folk songs and other music items. This came as part of CBC and we should embrace it” Ng’otiek noted.

David Kaleku, Oloontulan Primary school teacher, said he has been training Maasai traditional folksong by using unique methods and styles in order to incorporate digital life and helps in passing traditions to the younger generations.

“I usually train maasai folk songs to the learners for quite some time now. This acts as a way to celebrate culture and pass important messages, wisdom, and guidance to the young learners,” said Kaleku.

He added that they help the young learners and the audience to know when the songs are performed, for example in weddings, initiation, and other traditional celebrations.

He noted that music festivals have continued to grow especially in the introduction of CBC and have helped in leveraging the energies and opportunities available for the learners.

Oloontoto Primary school headteacher Moses Mbatiany, the sub counties music festival treasurer, said the music festivals served as a testament to the importance of music education in Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) and it transforms the power in shaping learners’ minds.

“CBC has brought back the learning of music in classes and this ensures that learners are actively engaged in the curriculum and have opportunities to demonstrate their understanding and skills through music performances,” Mbatiany added.

Further, Mbatiany said the co-curricular activities play an important role in the well being of the learners in schools.

In addition, Oloontualan primary School teacher, Loise Adinga, poem trainer said poems serve as repositories of collective memory, capturing the values, traditions and narratives of a particular time and place.

“Poems can convey universal truths and offer unique insights into the human condition, creating empathy and understanding,” said Adinga.

The music festival served as an inspiration for young learner's performer to pursue their passion and continue honing their musical talents, promising a future brimming with harmonious melodies and captivating performances.

The musical festival features folk songs, traditional dances, set pieces, poems and original compositions.

Courtesy ; K. N. A