mwafrika.com - Kitenge Christmas

Kitenge Christmas

December 14, 2008 - Memorial Park – The Christmas season is here, and with it, a barrage of gigs so themed. And what better way to welcome the merry season than to while off the afternoon in a concert filled with live jams and vibrant performances? That’s exactly what the Kitenge Christmas Edition served its patrons for a few Sunday afternoon hours. In what has become a refreshing traditional feat, S.K Blue and his Kitenge Band were at it again, this time to wrap up a whole year of Kitenge Festivals.

For this edition, S.K Blue enlisted the help of Zidi the Band and the world-renowned Boys Choir of Kenya. Quickly claiming a niche of their own in terms of live gigs, Zidi was impressive and entertaining, running through ‘afro-blues’, reggae and even some kwaito with relative ease. Also making a debut appearance at Kitenge, the Boys Choir gave an animated performance that brought smiles to many faces. From the traditional Mwanamberi to the classical Christmas carol, Noel, they attested to why they are a household name. They even had time to throw in a much appreciated Kenyan carol for good measure.

When S.K. Blue got his time on stage, there was no doubt what was in his mind. He knew he had to give this concert a strong finish, being the last one of the year. Flanked with his Kitenge Band, SK Blue was not going to be deterred by the dismal turnout. Ever the performer, he pulled out familiar and favourite tunes, giving some an afro fusion injection while others a reggae intonation. His repertoire included the ever danceable Chacha and Prophechy, as well as recent favorites Ati Nini and the satirical Muthurwa. The band, in true fashion, did an excellent job of jamming in-between sets, a testimony of the growth they’ve seen in the last year. Even technical hitches mid-show did little to dampen their (or Blue’s) resolve to put forward their best foot.

While the energy on and off stage paid great tribute to the kind of show this was, the turnout was not very inspiring, with only a humble crowd showing up. The idea of the Kitenge Festival is obviously still taking time to grow on the people it’s meant for. Hopefully, the next year will see these numbers pick up. Still, SK Blue, Zidi the Band and Boys Choir of Kenya made sure anyone who spared time to be there got their money’s worth!