November 30, Odeon Cinema - Deafening sound, a multitude of performers and energy sky-high! That would be a good way to summarize the launch of Maximum Melodies’ latest album at The Odeon. As a matter of fact, it seemed that no act left the stage without screaming appreciation from the fans – who, by the way, had absolutely packed out the auditorium!

The show was kicked off by a rather different kind of performance by the Boys Choir of Kenya. The world-renowned ensemble thrilled with a traditional Kikuyu song and a festival style negro-spiritual that earned them wild applause. From choir, it was on to impressive lingala tunes from the likes of Squadi Sauti, Tete and Aliwa & Cal, the latter with the hit song Tukuza. The rappers had their day as well, Mr. Smith & OJ’s By Force one of the stand-outs. Complete with dancers and army fatigue, it was obvious to see just what they meant with the title! Local dancers DWAP had a chance to showcase their skills, as did visiting Ugandans God’s Army.

Some memorable praise and worship voices were not lacking either, with Mercy Wairegi and Billy Frank teaming up for the hit Nigekuwa Wapi. Wangeci Mbogo and Emmy Kosgei impressed, the former singing her latest jam, Amkeni. But the afternoon’s favorite curtain-raisers, if you could call them that, were certainly MOG. They had everyone on their feet singing and dancing along to Let Him Go and Zing Zing. These boys have taken their performance abilities to another level.

Even with that heavyweight line-up, when Maximum Melodies got on stage, there was no doubting who the fans were really here to see. The screams that greeted them could have brought down the roof! Led by Andrew Young, they did not disappoint as they started their first set with the energy-packed Shusha and Jemedari, before teaming up with Billy Frank for what turned out to be the day’s worship anthem.

The rest of their repertoire included the drama-based Nishike Mkono and another of the album’s hit songs, Ebenezer. As Young himself mentioned, a Maximum Melodies album would be incomplete without a medley of popular choruses – this one included servings of Swahili, Luhya, Kikuyu and Luo choruses that had everyone singing along. Quite a pointer to how similar we all are despite our tribes!

Two things were especially refreshing about this launch. First, quite a number of new voices were leading the charge for Maximum Melodies on different songs, and it was obvious how much diversity in talent the group actually has. The other was the time they took to honor and receive prayers from their parents. It was a fitting closing to what has been a phenomenal year for this group.

Jogg C’s Lena Was The MC


The Boys Choir All Decked Out


Billy Frank & Mercy Wairegi On


Wangeci Mbogo Sings Amkeni


Squadi Sauti Do The Lingala


Maximum Melodies Check In


Enjoying Their Moves


Emmy Kosgei On The Mic


Mr. Smith & OJ Drop By Force


Newcomer Saurei Has Her Set


Then Enjoys The Rest With A Fan


Crunk Moments For Melodies


These Guys Can Dance


DWAP Show Their Moves


MOG Has The Crowd’s Attention


Tony Can Dance, Too!


And So Can Kenti…


All Dancing…


Having Fun


Hot Traxx’ Sn-Ice was Here


So Was Kevo Yout


Height Of … Passion?


Tete On The Mic


Moments Of Worship


Billy Frank Joins In


Njugush Gets A Birthday Dedication


Honoring The Parents

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