Top State Awards For Comedy And Music As Kenya Celebrated Its 48th Birthday

Kenya’s top celebrities were among the recipients of State awards as Kenya celebrated its 48th birthday. Top comedian Dan Ndambuki, popularly known as Churchill, was awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW) on Monday.

Churchill, who hosts Churchill Live comedy show on NTV, and also runs his own company The Laugh Industry, is credited with giving a platform to several other comedians in Kenya like funny man Eric Omondi.

Omondi was a star comedian at Nyayo National Stadium, the venue of the city celebrations.

Afro-fusion musician Suzanna Owiyo, who has shared the stage with internationally-recognised artistes, also received the OGW award.

Well-known since her Kisumu 100 hit song, Owiyo was among the artistes who performed during the celebration of former South Africa’s president Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday in London.

Other big musicians included Eddy Grant, Will Smith, Sugababes and Amy Winehouse.

Others awarded included benga musicians Ken wa Maria and Gabriel Omolo. Ken wa Maria, best known for his song Syindu Sya Mutongoi, received a Head of State Commendation (HSC), especially for his latest composition that was composed within hours of the happenings of the Sinai fire disaster.

Veteran musician Gabriel Omolo composed the hit song Lunch Time. He also received an HSC. Omolo learnt how to play his guitar from his cousin, and made his first recording in 1969.

Lunch Time, produced in 1971, was so popular in several countries around the world it was awarded Golden Disk Award after selling more than 250,000 units.

Local film The Rugged Priest based on the real events around the life and death of Fr John Kaiser, also got an OGW award. The movie is produced by Bob Nyanja of Cinematic Solutions and has won several local and international film awards since its launch late last year.

Poet Caroline Nderitu, who has performed for both local and international audiences, was given a HSC award, as were fine art tutors and artistes Gerald Motondi and Martin Miyonga.

Motondi has exhibited in over 30 exhibitions locally and internationally, thus branding Kenya’s image positively abroad, while Nderitu has recited poems in and out of the country, including at the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP 12).

Kenya Broadcasting Corporation long-serving news anchor Badi Muhsin got an OGW award.

Eddy Njeru, the Kenyan band leader of Flames Band, which has been in Dubai for more than 10 years, also received a HSC medal. He was recognised positively using the band and its members as true ambassadors, and for showcasing Kenya and promoting its rich cultural heritage through music, dance and costume.

Through his activities, he encouraged tourists from the United Arab Emirates to visit Kenya.

Source: Daily Nation