Moi University Choir History (1988 - 2017)
The history of Moi University choir can be traced back to the year 1988. The choir was founded by Mr. Fredrick B.J.A. Ngala, by then a student and later a lecturer at Moi University. He was the Director of the group for ten years. When Mr. Ngala left Moi University, the directorship of the choir was briefly taken by Dr. Majanja who later handed over to Dr. Mellitus Wanyama. The latter has directed the group since 1998 up to the year 2015 when he was appointed the Founding Dean, School of Music and Performing Arts at Kabarak University. He still offers his counsel and skills regarding music composition and performance. Through his leadership, the choir was able to win many awards at the local and National Festivals. He also led the choir in performing in a number of International Concerts with Makerere University MDD choir in Uganda and University of Pretoria Choir at the National Theater in Nairobi. He later transferred from the Dean of Students office to the School of Arts and Social Sciences to teach in the Department of Literature, Theatre and Film Studies. He established the Music Sub-department in the School of Arts which is currently offering Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs in Music. Due to his busy teaching schedule, the university employed Mr. Fred Wekesa as the Assistant Choir Director. Mr. Wekesa served for a short before he returned to Maseno University. Prof.Wanyama recommended Mr. Fred Ongeri his former student, whom he mentored for four years to be employed as his assistant in the year 2008. Mr. Ongeri is the current Director of the Choir. In the year 2012 and in consultation with Prof. Wanyama and due to the rapid growth of the choir, Mr. Ongeri admitted other trainers to assist in the training. These include, Mr. Isaac Shitubi, Mr. Henry Alukhombe, Kevin Mbayagi, Dr. Jane Mwonga and Madam Lillie Aura.
This development is owed to the support and concern shown by the University management led by the Vice Chancellors: Prof. Keya, Prof. Irina, Prof. Some, Prof. Richard Mibey. The choir since its inception has received much support from the former Dean of students (Mr. David Mureithi) whose patronage is still felt until now. The current Dean of Student Dr. John Ayieko has been instrumental providing direction and leadership that is shaping the choir’s operations in campus. Overall the choir has received support coming in the form of logistical, administrative and financial decisions in favour of the choir by all the stakeholders.
Due to this support, the choir has been able to participate in various performances across the country and beyond during which it has acquired many awards and recognition. Between 1989 and 1995, the choir took part in many functions within the University including performances in the annual graduation ceremonies, the official opening of both the Students’ Centre Complex and the University’s Ultra-modern library. All these functions were presided over by the then President, Daniel Arap Moi being also the then Chancellor of the University. Moi University choir also held performances at fund-raising functions both locally and nationally. In a number of occasions, the Moi University choir has invited to perform at the State House, National Holidays, Weddings, Cooperate events among others. Currently, Moi University choir remains one of the best university choirs in the country in the National Music Festivals. The choir is well known to hold its audience captive with its lyrical renditions of mostly African arrangements Gospel Arrangements, Zilizopendwa (rumba) Arrangements, Gospel compositions, Hymns and Classical Music which are performed in accapella and occasionally accompanied with African drums and other forms of percussions.
The Moi University choir’s participation in the National Festivals, National Holidays and International Concerts has not only improved the musical capabilities of the students, but also their relationship with students from other universities. This was evident in 1994, when the group performed at a cultural week attended by Kenyatta University from Kenya and Makerere University from Uganda, Strathmore University, Moi University and University of Pretoria Choir concert at National Theatre in Nairobi (2006),Makerere University MDD Choir and Moi University Choir Christmas Carols concert at Makerere University, Uganda (2008) The students also join their colleagues from other public and private universities in mass choir performances especially during national celebrations for instance, the First Mashujaa Day 2010, Madaraka Day, 2014 and Mashujaa Day 2016 at Machakos.
The Moi university choir has embarked on the production of their music. Already, Tucheze Ngoma and Shombo albums are in circulation. The New Mashujaa wa Kenya Album will be launched in the course of this year 2017. The choir has grown its scope of performance to include the performance of Scottish Country dance being directed by Madam Lillie Aura and Isikuti Dance ( A traditional Luhyia Dance) directed by Mr. Kevin Mbayagi.
