Maasai cultural dances and Folk Songs champions made it to the 95th edition finals of the national music festival which will be held on 12th up to 22nd August this year at Dedan Kimathi University of Science and Technology in Nyeri County.
Talek Boys High school crowned the champions of 2023 Maasai dance class 818J as the great finale of the Music festival came to an end at Maasai Mara University.
Four schools out of over 25 participants who performed the Maasai cultural dance qualified to national levels with a very high competition of one-point difference.
Talek Boys High School emerged position one under the class 818J with a mark of 91% followed by Najile High school from Kajiado County with 90%, Maralal High School from Samburu County took position three with 89% and Narok High School closed the best four with 88% mark.
Talek Boys for the first time making it to national level is a great performance and efforts from learners and they ensured that they will be crowned National champions this year in Maasai dance.
This is the first time Talek Boys High school has participated in a regional music festival, the last time they reach county level, therefore, it is commitment from teachers, and trainers who have contributed to the win.
George Sandera, music teacher, also a trainee, said it’s a great performance this year for Talek boys’ high school since they have never reached regional level, hence a great improvement for them.
“We’re going back to school today and practicing more and correcting our mistakes before we proceed to Nationals next month. We will score more points and will be crowned the national champions as well” said Sandera.
The four schools booked their place at a coveted event after emerging the 2023 Maasai dance winners in the Rift Valley region.
The Maasai folk songs were also completed the day before having four schools who made it to the national level.
Folk songs are the most loved Maasai cultural song as it has moral lessons and fantastic styles of showcasing Maasai culture.
Oloosiyio Secondary school in Kajiado County emerged the regional champions of folk song with 93% which was commented to be of higher, adjudicators mentioned them to have planned well and meet the expectations.
The champions showed their excitement and were hopeful of retaining their championship at national level.
Ololulunga Boys High School comes in second position in folk song with 92% behind one-point Maasai Girls High School Which got 91% and Narok Boys once again closed the best four with 90%.
All those who qualified were urged by the adjudication team to improve their minor mistakes to perfect their competition at national level.
The adjudication team advises the participants and trainers to be keen on enough and unique costumes as it will earn them marks.
The 95th edition of the Rift Valley Music Festival has come to an end, with winners awarded trophies and certificates.
By John Kaleke
