From the 17th of March, TUM has been buzzing with students from different parts of the country, exciting performances and beautiful choruses in every corner of the institution. This is the first time that the Kenya Universities Performing Arts Association (KUPAA) has held a music festival in Mombasa. Over two thousand students from 35 public and private universities have been performing music, dance, and elocution in English, Kiswahili, French, and German during this one-week event. The event is student-centred and exposes students to various categories and genres of music and gives them a platform to showcase their proficiency and skills in training, leadership, music composition, and performance.
The festival was attended by various university patrons, deans of students, performers, and adjudicators. Notable dignitaries present included the Chairman of KUPAA, Mr David Tamba from Maasai Mara University, the Secretary-General, Mr Caleb Nyangwono from Kenya University, the technical team and executive committee members of KUPAA, Kenya Universities Deans of Students Association, Ms Eunice Wakofula, the Coordinator of Drama and Music from the Ministry of Education, Dr Peter Smith, the Vice President of the World Talent Federation, Professor Humphrey Oborah, the Secretary General of World Talent Federation and the DVC of Bomet University who also doubles as the patron of their music club. The universities that participated included the Technical University of Mombasa, Karatina University, Kibabii University, Tharaka University, Maasai Mara University, Garissa University, Multimedia University of Kenya, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University, Maseno University, Bomet University, and Machakos University among many others.
The TUM Vice Chancellor, Professor Laila Abubakar, gave her official opening speech and warmly welcomed the guests. She expressed her excitement and gratitude for TUM being the host, which is highly valued and promoted in the Coastal culture. Professor Laila thanked KUPAA, the Ministry of Education, the patrons, lecturers, students, and all those who have been working tirelessly to make this festival a success.
Professor Laila acknowledged the different ways in which individuals and institutions have been promoting the festival's theme of 'Advocating for Social Responsibility Through Performing Music, Dance, and Elocution.' She thanked the volunteers who have been preparing and organizing the daily events, building relationships between stakeholders, and ensuring integrity in the competition process. Many are committed to making this week a success, while others are showcasing their creativity on stage. Some have designed music and dance performances with powerful messages to effect social change. All these actions are, in one way or another, advocating for social responsibility.
Professor Laila further asserted that the festival is a celebration of the cultural interconnectedness that music, dance, and the arts bring. It provides a platform for talented youth to display their creativity and network with their peers and prospective employers in the creative economy. All the performances are meaningful work that can promote positive values among the youth and contribute to social, economic, and political growth.
The festival is expected to end with an exciting Gala planned on Friday where all Vice Chancellors will watch the best performances. The Technical University of Mombasa is dedicated to making this festival memorable!
