ADVERT 
ADVERTSIAYA’S musical talent took centre stage at the 9th Edition of Africa Sings, with the county choir winning medals in a memorable showcase of traditional music, cultural dance and vocal excellence at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) in Nairobi.
The week-long international festival, which closed on Saturday with a colourful gala performance, brought together choirs, cultural troupes, soloists and exhibitors from across Africa to celebrate the continent’s rich artistic heritage.
For Siaya County, the event was more than a musical contest. It was an opportunity to showcase the region’s cultural identity, promote local talent and demonstrate how traditional music can unite communities across borders.
The Siaya County Staff Choir secured a bronze medal after an impressive performance featuring the set piece Jambo Kenya and its original composition, Owang Winyo Sungore, which captivated audiences with its celebration of local musical heritage.
In the set-piece category, the South African choir topped the standings with 90 points, while Siaya finished third with 75 points, underlining the competitiveness of the international festival.
ADVERTSiaya’s achievements extended beyond choral music. Jenita Adhiambo earned a silver medal in the female solo chant category, delivering a captivating performance that showcased her vocal ability and the enduring appeal of traditional African chants.
The county’s Dodo cultural dance troupe also claimed silver with 70 points, bringing the energy and distinctive rhythms of the lakeside region to the festival stage.
Ogande Girls from neighbouring Homa Bay County impressed audiences with their unique dancing techniques, emerging top in the dance category.
The Siaya choir was trained by Joseph Ochieng and Charles Milongo, whose work helped prepare the team for the demanding competition.
Behind the medals lay weeks of preparation, countless rehearsals and the discipline required to transform individual talent into a coordinated performance. For the participants, the recognition was a reward for dedication, teamwork and a shared determination to represent their county with distinction.
Omoga Calls for Greater Support
Siaya County Choir chairlady Ruth Omoga congratulated the members for their achievements, describing the festival as an important platform for showcasing their abilities and promoting the county’s cultural heritage.
Omoga said the choir did not take its participation in the international event for granted, noting that the opportunity had challenged members to raise their standards and pursue greater artistic heights.
“We don’t take our participation here for granted. It has been a well-accommodated challenge, and we request that it continues,” she said.
She noted that this was the choir’s first participation in Africa Sings, making the medals and positive reception particularly encouraging.
Omoga appealed to Governor James Orengo, County Executive Committee Member for Culture Kut Ochogo, Chief Officer Wilfred Nyagudi and Director of Culture Ken Oreyo to provide sustained support for the choir to participate in future international festivals.
She said such investment would enable the team to expose Siaya’s rich cultural heritage to wider audiences while giving talented county employees an opportunity to develop their artistic potential.
Ochogo Promises International Stage
County Executive Committee Member for Culture Kut Ochogo reaffirmed the department’s commitment to supporting the choir, praising members for their dedication and encouraging them to maintain their momentum.
Ochogo said his presence at the Nairobi festival demonstrated the county government’s commitment to nurturing cultural talent and creating opportunities for the team to perform beyond Kenya.
“My presence here in Nairobi itself is a commitment of the department towards supporting the team choir. I have seen the vigour in our county choir and have declared that the United States of America is our next stage,” Ochogo said.
His remarks raised hopes of a broader international platform for the choir, with the county leadership expected to help translate the team’s artistic achievements into opportunities for international exposure.
Director of Culture Ken Oreyo also urged members to sustain their passion for music, commending their discipline and their record of performance at previous competitions.
“We are proud of the Siaya Choir team, who have remained disciplined, and their performances have seen them scoop trophies at Kenya Inter-County Sports and Cultural Association events,” Oreyo said.
Director of Sports Sanmac Okoth similarly lauded the team, saying its performances reflected Siaya’s commitment to promoting talent through music, dance and other cultural expressions.
“We are out to showcase our rich talents through our dances and voices, and we believe that with the support of the Nyalore administration, the choir will transcend beyond the borders of this country and continent,” Dr Okoth added.
Beyond Medals: Preserving Africa’s Cultural Heritage
The Siaya choir’s performance underscored the wider significance of festivals such as Africa Sings, which bring traditional music into the spotlight while creating opportunities for cultural exchange and artistic development.
Traditional African songs are more than entertainment. They preserve community histories, communicate shared values, celebrate important events and transmit knowledge from one generation to the next.
Through music and dance, younger performers learn the meaning behind their communities’ traditions, strengthening their cultural identity while ensuring that treasured artistic expressions are not lost.
Africa Sings promotes these ideals through live concerts, workshops, seminars, competitions, cultural showcases and city tours. Its broader mission is to strengthen African fraternity through music and shared heritage.
Organisers have also highlighted the economic potential of the arts, pointing to opportunities for talent development, cultural tourism, creative enterprise and community pride.
For Siaya, the medals provide a platform on which to build a stronger cultural programme, develop emerging performers and raise the county’s profile within Africa’s creative industry.
The choir’s participation also reflects its wider objectives of fostering teamwork, promoting emotional well-being and work-life balance, providing members with an avenue to express their talents, and enhancing the county’s public image through positive publicity.
Liberia Awaits as Siaya Eyes Bigger Horizons
With the ninth edition concluded, attention now turns to the next festival, scheduled to take place in Monrovia, Liberia, in 2027.
The 10th Edition of Africa Sings will offer another opportunity for African choirs and cultural groups to celebrate their heritage, exchange artistic ideas and strengthen relationships across national boundaries.
For Siaya County, the challenge will be to build on the momentum generated in Nairobi by investing in training, equipment, participation and the continued development of its performers.
The county’s bronze and silver medals have demonstrated the potential of its musical and cultural talent. Sustained institutional support could help turn that potential into a lasting presence on the continental stage.
As the choir members return home with their awards, their achievement carries a message that extends beyond the competition: Siaya’s cultural heritage is a valuable asset, and its music deserves a place among the voices shaping Africa’s artistic future.
The next performance may be in Liberia. But for Siaya’s choir, the ambition is already reaching beyond the continent.
