Makini school choir to sing for Barack Obama at State House

A school famous for its academic prowess will get a chance to prove its choral might when it sings for the world’s most powerful man.

The Makini school choir will be one of the two that will entertain President Barack Obama at State House in Nairobi on Saturday.

The school was selected by the Ministry of Education alongside a second one from Samburu.

Speaking to Nation.co.ke, Catherine Njuguna, the headmistress of Makini State House School, where most of the 60-strong choir members study, said it was an honour for the school.

“We have scooped the top position in the music festivals for set pieces three years in a row, (and) in fact that is why our school was selected,” she said.

The choir’s relationship with the United States goes back three years, having travelled there in 2012 to perform in the Fort Worden Children's Choir Festival.

The group was invited to the festival by US music directors who had seen them perform at the Children’s Festival in Turkey in 2011 where the school was representing Kenya.

GREAT FEELING

“I can only describe the feeling of having our children perform for not just our head of State but also to the most powerful man on earth, to the feeling of having ‘maziwa ya Nyayo’.

“The sense of pride and ownership of having such a memory, is something the children will carry into their adulthood, “said Jean Wachira, the headteacher of Makini Middle School.

Janet Abondo, a parent with a child in the school, said the opportunity was a milestone for the school and a great stage for it to showcase the school’s brand and their investment in talent.

“Singing gives children a chance to relax. It helps us to nurture and develop talent," added choirmaster David Isindu, who is also a music teacher, with a career spanning over two decades.

KARIBU KENYA

The choir will sing a piece titled "Karibu Kenya" (Welcome to Kenya), which was composed by Mr Isindu with the help of the students, who suggested words and phrases to be added.

“I wanted to compose a song that was acceptable to both African and Western cultures,” he explained.

“I have always considered it a blessing to work with children. I love composing for them and I am often moved by the innocence and enthusiasm with which they sing,” he added.

Mr Isindu said he and the children were excited by the opportunity to perform for President Obama and the event will show the world what the Kenyan child can do.