Friday, August 27, 2010

Unofficial anthem for the Second Republic unveiled

As Kenyans stream into Uhuru Park this Friday Morning to celebrate the promulgation of the new Constitution, and the birth of the Second Republic, they shall sing a new song:

Oh Kenya, my country

With peace, love and harmony.

Oh Kenya, my Kenya,

I will always live for thee

The unofficial anthem, ‘Oh Kenya, My Kenya,’ has a celebratory, danceable tune, backed by a lively choir.

The song is a collaboration between celebrated local stars Nameless, Amani, Jua Cali, Eric Wainaina, Size 8, Achieng’ Abura and Kayamba Africa.

"What honour and privilege for me be part of the artistes ushering in the new dawn," said an elated Amani, the reigning queen of the continental MTV-Awards.


They musicians came together to support positive change in Kenya and the prospects of a new political dispensation that embraces ideals of self- determination, self-actualisation, tolerance, national cohesion, and political and socio-economic stability.

"Just like everyone else involved, we have been rehearsing hard to perfect our act for the presentation, which will be witnessed by great leaders, and broadcast to the whole world. We have put a lot of time into this," she revealed.

The three-minute four-stanza rendition is the brainchild of singer-songwriter Achieng’ Abura, in collaboration with experienced musicians Victor Seii, Suzzane Gachukia and John Katana of Them Mushrooms, among others.

"We wrote the song a little while ago to express our patriotism for our country, which remains the theme of the song. But we had to rearrange it so as to include more artistes. The current version is in English, laced with Kiswahili lyrics. We plan to release two more Kiswahili versions later," Abura explained.

NATIONAL BELONGING

"I wouldn’t call it the unofficial national anthem. But I hope Kenyans will love it as it reflects the true touch of our national belonging," she added.

The song was recorded at the Samawati Records and engineered by Ulopa of Ulopa Records.

Abura said the group has been working closely with the Permanent Presidential Music Commission, which is mandated to vet musicians, dancers, presentation material and other entertainment pieces for presidential entertainment.

Although this is not the first time Kenyan artistes are coming together to collaborate in a song touching on national unity, the historicity of the day puts Oh my Kenya, my Kenya in the pride of place.

"It is a great moment in the history of our country. It is a moment that will be recalled by generations to come. I am glad to be part of it," said Jua Cali, who is hailed as the father of genge music.

Working under the umbrella of Kenyans for Change (K4C10), most of the stars were hired for countrywide civic education tour during the referendum campaigns, during which they helped highlight the youth-related issues in the new Constitution. The collaborative effort was backed by the Committee of Experts.

1 comment: