On Saturday, 28^th September 2019, a one-of-a-kind musical event titled ‘Vice Chancellor’s Concert’ took place in Strathmore University at the main auditorium. All proceeds from the concert went towards supporting students from the Macheo Achievement Programme. This is an after school programme that helps children from slum areas in Nairobi by giving them mentorship and academic tutoring.

The first performance of the day which serenaded the audience with amazing tunes, was from the Strathmore University Chorale, conducted by Brian Kibet. The chorale is a high-performing unit of students with musical prowess. They won two silver diplomas at the World Choir Championships in South Africa.

Next in line was 16-year-old Nanji who performed Prelude 1 by Gershwin and Allegro by Franz Schubert. She played on the grand piano, wowed the crowd and left everyone’s musical taste buds tantalized. Ever heard that some things run in the family? Well, this is true in the case of Nanji and her brother. The next performer on stage was JP, Nanji’s little brother, who played three classical guitar pieces and a pop song.

Performance by Vice Chancellor Designate

The next performer was a surprise artist. Known to many as the Vice Chancellor Designate, Dr. Vincent Ogutu performed a piece on his pocket saxophone. Truly, music is a language that is universally understood. The saxophone vibe went on in the next performance where Mwakisha and Ling Ber musically belched out some smooth jazz.

Gold Trigger, another Stratizen, was the next to perform. He is a music composer with a bias for hip hop. He performed his own composition called Elevate and had the crowd nodding their heads in tune to his catchy beats.

The rest of the concert saw performances take a notch higher as Effie Okola and Brian Kibet took to the stage with a breathtaking performance of ‘Hapo Zamani’ by Miriam Makeba. The National Symphony Orchestra performed two pieces composed of a local popular Gospel song called ‘Taunet Nelel’ and ‘Muchana’.

Service to society

Prof. John Odhiambo, the Vice Chancellor, Strathmore University, gave a short speech during which he emphasized the need to serve society and why the Macheo Achievement Programme has a soft spot for him. Later, he received a cheque from Mzima Sacco which went towards the cause of the concert.

The last performance was by Brian Kibet and Ling Ber’ who sang “7 years old” by Lucas Graham. Finally, the concert came to an end with a word of prayer. ‘That was an afternoon well spent. I enjoyed the music and the ambience of the concert, and it was all for a good cause!’ – said one of the attendees.

The Alumni Relations Office plans to make this concert an annual event. We will keep you updated in the course of time about the details of the next concert.

 

This article was written by Jacob Mwanga, Alumni office administrator.

If you have a story, kindly email: communications@strathmore.edu