The Siaya County Choir shone brightly at the 97th edition of the Kenya Music and Cultural Festival (KMCF), hosted at the Taita Taveta National Polytechnic in Voi town. The week-long festival, which commenced on December 2nd, showcased exceptional talent, with Siaya Choir emerging as a standout performer. Their remarkable efforts earned them two golden medals after clinching top positions in the Soprano Solo and Folk Song categories. Additionally, the Siaya community's impressive chorales and performances contributed to the tally of four more trophies, reflecting the county's musical prowess.
The choir's triumph in the Omwombo Agola folk song of Class 901Z was particularly noteworthy, earning an impressive 91%. This performance celebrated the transformative contributions of Omwombo Agola, a revered figure whose deeds brought significant positive changes to the Luo community. The authenticity and vibrancy of the folk song captured the hearts of both judges and the audience, cementing Siaya's reputation as a powerhouse of cultural expression.
Individual achievements also added to Siaya's accolades. Julie Chausiku, representing the county, excelled in the Soprano Solo Class 101, winning a golden medal with an outstanding score of 92%. Idah Achieng and Joseph Ouma performed commendably in the Solo Alto and Solo Tenor categories, earning 83% and 85%, respectively. Among the competitors, Ouma ranked 8th out of 26 participants, while Achieng secured 10th place in a field of 22, highlighting their talent and dedication.
The Siaya County Choir's Chairman, Omamo Ogola, expressed pride in the team's success, announcing a total of six trophies won thus far—four from the community performances and two from the County Staff Choir. He hinted at the possibility of more trophies to come, with final results expected on Sunday.
This achievement reflects a well-coordinated effort to showcase Siaya's musical heritage on a national platform. Vincent Otiu, the choir's organizing secretary, attributed their success to rigorous preparation and commitment. “We sacrificed time for practice, and we have done our best in the performances,” he said. Their dedication and teamwork underline the enduring spirit of Siaya’s artists, who continue to inspire and elevate the region’s cultural legacy through music and storytelling.