The lead guitar will play a tad louder, the sopranos will shrill an octave higher because if past productions are anything to go by, this edition is set to be wild, not just patriotic and entertaining.
Hello world, Kitui is hosting Mashujaa Day.
Eastern Kenya, Kitui included, is home to some of the best melodies in history, especially cultural and choral renditions. The late Dr Arthur Kemoli, famed for hit arrangements, did a number that resonates to date — Ngulo, an Akamba folk song.
Musically speaking, Kamba music is fast-paced and with heart dubbed ‘con spirito’ (with spirit), and not for any ordinary Joe. Ask Ken wa Maria, him of the ‘This are my things’ fame. Dance you must.
After a rigorous two weeks of scouting and auditions in August, which saw throngs of performing artistes present to the Permanent Presidential Music Commission, a final list was chosen and signed up. That list remains a mystery, but the rehearsals have been ongoing.
PPMC director Dr Donald Otoyo, the main curator of the entertainment, is putting together new and seasoned actors who will share with the world the mastery that only art can achieve.
Add that to the newly renovated and upgraded Ithokwee Stadium, and it is a recipe for greatness.
ORGANIC SYSTEM
The system is somewhat organic. Take the contemporary dancers, for example, who, until chosen to participate, knew nothing of each other but are currently at camp, producing magic.
Shoulders are gyrating to the famous drums by local village drumists never seen or heard before, but who are about to wow. Add contemporary artistes to the mix and it is a fusion of modern and traditional culture.
The creative process is always rigorous and extremely strict. Not only must participating artistes be Kenyan (proof of birth by ID) but they must also reside within a said county or a neighbouring one.
For instance, when Homa Bay paid homage to Madaraka Day, there were artistes from Migori, Kisumu and Siaya counties.
This time round, Kitui has its own talents supported by others from Makueni and Machakos. The lead guitar is bound to be loud.
As is tradition, the categories will encompass choral choir curated for the occasion and to be performed by various universities and TVET students.
Then there is the crowd favourite by little children, all sourced from groups or schools within the county who excelled in the Kenya National Music Festival, which celebrated its 97th year in August. The budding artistes will use music and drama to bring to life the theme of this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations.
The main acts will have an urban fusion arrangement, a traditional rendition and a peri religious presentation.
PPMC remains true to its mandate: Find talent, train talent, present talent. Benga maestro Osito Kalleh was almost buried into oblivion, but his hit song in 2021 at the 58th Madaraka Day, performed in Kisumu county, brought the musician back to life.
Today he stands tall, wears his bling, and is getting gigs once more. The same can be attested to by the new crop of artistes who have gained a new lease of life after state appearances.
At the height of the Gen Z Finance Bill revolts in 2024, the PPMC staged a Jamuhuri Day show with some of the best talents of the 2000s in Nairobi. It came to pass that music can bridge even the hardest of barriers as Gidi Gidi Maji Maji were unbowed, Mr Lenny and P-Unit represented and Mejja fell short of his tumbler only because the leadership has zero tolerance to his drink of choice.
The long and short of it is that, it is always showtime when PPMC takes the stage at national fetes. And this time it is in Kitui, it is in full colour and nothing can wipe that off.
As we await the lineup, it appears that top Kamba stars are already plugged in to play, as are the new entrants. The cultural climax will not only be witnessed on the day but will also debut on PPMC’s official YouTube channel and social media handles.
