The long-awaited day finally arrived and President Uhuru Kenyatta led the nation in celebrating the 2022 Madaraka Day at Uhuru Gardens, which was the last national day celebration he commemorated as President and Commander in Chief.

The day was filled with pomp and color in terms of entertainment, with most Kenyans agreeing that the artistes and acts curated for this year’s programme represented diversity and inclusivity among various artists and music genres in Kenyan music.

The programme was a culmination of months of preparation, which began with auditions that were conducted a few months ago.

Among the performers were participants of the 2022 National Youth Talent Development programme who got to present productions they created during their various training workshops.

The show stopping programme featured artistes like Mutulani Kasheshe of Kungulu Kwangala fame, Iyanii and Trio Mio who stole the show with their new song Tunaweza in which top female rapper Femi One is featured too.

Seasoned musicians who performed include Les Wanyika, Maroon Commandos and Jozee Gogosimo.

The list also included The State House Choir and identified youth choristers and contemporary dancers from Nairobi region and its environs.

Masauti and Jovial performed their new song Pamoja at the State House Garden Party in the afternoon.

The programme began at around 8am with live performances from Les Wanyika and Maroon Commandos as the crowds walked in.

The main entertainment programme commenced at around 11.30am after the President had arrived and inspected the guard of honor.

The songs performed at Uhuru Gardens are full music productions that were recorded, mixed and mastered by select music producers.

The music videos were released on the same day of the event through the PPMC YouTube channel and they continue to rake in views as Kenyans keep on watching and sharing.

Here is a link of the released songs: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgIQUPvj3QW9M-4hEOfgwHyBCmEZgC2is

Here is a link of photos from the event: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kLoJ_VJxz3gGpFJtGc5166VNdQnb8XzO?usp=sharing

Picture Credits: Permanent PResidential Music Commission

TESTIMONIALS

Word from Iyanii on the experience

LINK: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WgEEisJSLUZafuWba6JQy2ftwTRishdE/view?usp=sharing

“This was a beautiful experience since it is my first time performing in a National event before the President, dignitaries ad Kenyans at large. Performing on the platform has given my career a huge boost and through this I know I will inspire youth out there that everything is possible no matter where you come from. Through the rehearsals and preparation of the music projects, I have met so many different people from different tribes and cultures which is a new experience for me. I’ve got to listen to different types of music from all over Kenya which has made me appreciate our diversity and perspective. The unity of us all in putting together a wonderful performance is something PPMC really stressed about and I will not forget in my future endeavors as a career musician” - Iyanii

Word from Femi One on the experience

LINK: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VmOYnGQqPd9rviakNj0EIPFPpVEoTam8/view?usp=sharing

“I was very happy to be featured in this year’s Madaraka day. I performed alongside Iyanii and Trio Mio. I have never been on a song with them so thank you PPMC for the opportunity. It’s been a good learning experience, especially the patience and dedication required during rehearsals. I am very happy to see that Sheng can be embraced in national ceremonies and it’s a big thank you to Kenyans at large for the support.” – Femi One

Word From Vitimbi Crew

LINK: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CnjxnzzuodOhbrtZ7FRiGwu9R5v68kfW/view?usp=sharing