Just a Thought Part Five!!!

Well after quite some time we are back. And now that all the regional festivals are done, I can gladly complete my series. Please note that this are the writer's own views and are in no way meant to belittle the wonderful work that so many other people are doing in our festival!

LAKE REGION

Well for one reason or the other, this Region will always have controversy before and after our festivals. And amidst the noise, there are those that stand tall and still manage to take to the stage and perform! I may not know many but the few i am aware of shall be mentioned:



I can not mention other individuals without mentioning the likes of Bwire T.O and Dr. O.J. Odhiambo. These two guys revolutionized the Cultural Creative Dance in the then Nyanza Province with Sawagongo, Lwak Girls and Ng'iya Girls. Bwire is currently the Head of Performing Arts at the Bomas of Kenya while Dr. Oj is a senior lecturer at Maseno University. These two guys are amazing critiques and you might have noticed they rarely lack in the regional bench or national! Kudos guys and thanks for shaping dance in this great festival!




Sam Opondo
Currently the Siaya County KUPPET Secretary General, this is the long serving Organizing Secretary of the Lake Region Secondary Schools Drama Committee. A teacher and avid critique who has served in this festival for quite some time. No nonsense on the bench and yet quite jovial and social outside the confines of the festival....he enjoys a nice glass of guin.....i shall stop there!!! This guy can mobilize people to do just about anything. Brilliant organizational skills and quite an amazing man!



Simon Okola
Very jovial and down to earth. or a Luo this is a rare quality. The guy literally listens to everyone who offers advice or counsel. An amazing soul and quite a good playwright in his own right! This guy has been in the Lake Region with over 10years of accolades. Was previously a teacher at Karabok Secondary School where he scripted and directed plays more recently their Kiswahili play in 2015 which was at the Nationals in Nakuru and now a Deputy Principal at Nyakwadha Secondary School.



Penina Oketch Omollo
The iron lady of Lake Region. She is the current chair of the Lake Region and also the National Vice Chair of the Kenya National Drama Festivals. An avid dancer and also choreographer for those who didn't know. Very good at her work and quite meticulous in all her endeavors. The mother of the "Modern Dance" in our festival. She is the true definition of iron lady having been in the drama circles for quite some time especially when the officials were mostly male and she still survived in the male dominated festival! Principal at Lions High School Kisumu and under her watch even the academic performance of the school has improved each year! Kudos and we await your dance at the Nationals this year Mwalimu.



Fredrick Shitubi
This is one of the few humble accomplished directors i've had the pleasure of interacting with. Before his arrival in the Lake Region, Shitubi or "pariti pariti" was a teacher at Chesamis High School in Nzoia Region. An accomplished script writer and director especially in Narratives where he has mentored the likes of Job Masika (Best Narrator 2002), Jefferson Were (Currently has almost five narratives in the nationals this year), Derrick Waswa (Director Kenyatta University) and many others who wouldn't fit in this column. From what i gather, this guy doesn't look for a job, the Principals look for him and would go to any lengths to have him in their institutions. He is currently a teacher and the drama patron of St. Mary's and in the few years he's been there the school has managed to win at the nationals 2015 (Winning Comedy) and this year they've managed to scoop position one and three in the Play genre at the regional festivals. Your humility is something i admire most sir.

 

George Chunga Otiende
Popularly known as "Pungulu pangala" in the drama circles this is a man who has made a name for himself not just locally but internationally. Having started 'Story Makers Society" which has now become internationally acclaimed even drawing the attention and support of international partners, Chunga is a man after the growth and development of the arts industry and in particular the NARRATIVE and story telling in general. He has earned his place in the Narrative hall of fame in our festival with the likes of "Mlima wa Mawe" amongst other notable presentations in our National Festival with both high schools and even colleges like Nyandiwa TTC, Kisumu Polytechnic and others. The guy compares the process of Narrative Scripting and directing to a Pot and the preparation of food till it's properly cooked. An approach that i found quite interesting when i sat in one of his facilitation sessions. Pungulu Pangala also enjoys a nice glass of "dawa ya minyoo" as he calls it. See you in Meru Pungulu.




Nick Ambale
An interesting guy to sit with and quite easy with everyone who strikes up a conversation with him. The most interesting thing is that, you will sit and laugh with this guy (he should do stand up comedy by the way) only to realize later that you were joking with a whole Principal of an Institution. Apart from his official duties, this guy is a brilliant poet and not only in English or Swahili but even in his mother tongue "dholuo". He likes to remain anonymous even after winning though we know he has been behind many brilliant performances such as "Nying' Nyong' - 2008" and the 2nd Runners-up Winning Choral by Sironga Girls - 2015. A good critique who will point out his reservations on any item he has seen and will also be quick to listen to any critique on his item.




Jefferson Were
This young guy is quiet at times but can be very lethal. Hehehehehehe. If you ask me about the silence, i can only say "Still waters run deep". A good story teller who has won in the narrative category as a participant in High school and Masinde Muliro University but also as a director. I hear the guy has 5 institutions at the nationals this year presenting his narratives having won in their respective regions (these are rumours though). I know for a fact that before this guy went to Sironga Girls, not many of us knew that there was even a school by that name in the country let alone a National School. His not so conventional means of scripting and directing are probably what makes him perform well. Kudos Jeff!

 


Chrisantus Wangalwa
The guy doesn't like the name Chrisantus which is why i'm using it. Hehehehehehehe. Chris says you might confuse him for a high school kid when you meet him for the first time. My thoughts on that differ but to each his own. A product of Bungoma High School, he has been consulting for St. Teresa's Girls Kisumu for the last two years. When he begun training in the school, he had no idea what he had started would end up being the best thing that happened to the institution in the history of arts and co-curriculum activities in the school. He is humble enough to admit that in his absence, he has left a strong cast that would make any teacher and trainer proud. You shall go far Chris and your name shall be echoed by others soon enough.


 

Archie Nyar Mwango
A teacher, friend, drama patron and brilliant dancer. You may not know her much but she is one of the many budding choreographers that will change this festival and also bring back the glory of dance to the Lake region. Quick to listen and also quick to learn. Nyar Mwango you shall take this region far in the cultural creative dance genre sooner than you think. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that their family loves drama with her younger sister (Winnie Omollo - instrumentalist for the Winning Dance 2006 Maundu, Maryhill Girls) also trying her hand in choreography.


There are many others who also consult, train and are in this region and i haven't known them yet but we shall have many more blogs.                                                                                                                                                 

CONCERN!!!!!

I know i'm supposed to do part Five, Six and Seven of my series but i choose to deviate!!!!!

I have worked with students for over 12 years now and i thank God for how far we have come. There's no greater feeling than when you meet students you have trained and they are so happy to see you and they are achieving great things in life! You are not only their teacher but you have become a life long friend!

I have former students who have become lawyers, actresses, musicians, teachers and so forth. And the hallmark of this life in the arts industry (emphasis on working with students in the KNDF) is when i have been able to be a part of building someone's career till the parent considers me a son and the student looks up to me as a big brother!

The reason why i am writing this is because some of the trainers that students are looking up to have turned into predators! We are taking away the dignity of influencing someone's future in a positive manner! That child could be your sister, brother, cousin or off spring.

How in our right minds we would look at a student and find them "appealing" is not only mind boggling but also very disgusting!

It is not right to have canal knowledge of any person who is under the legal age of 18! If i am not wrong it is statutory rape and it come with a jail term. 

Trainers and teachers of drama, please let us protect our children! When students look up to you and such things happen, you are not only affecting the physical/psychological being of that student, you are also creating a negative environment for the next person who will get an opportunity to work with those students!

Happy Scripting guys!

Just a Thought Part Four!!!!!

Hallo Mau Region

This region produced the one and only Barnabas Kasigwa aka "Banny" when the region was known as Rift Valley Province. A great man who really changed things for us in this festival!

I would like to begin by mentioning one NDUGU OMWAKA. A teacher by proffession currently based at Moi Forces Academy Lanet. This guy is a true Swahili Teacher! Brilliant script writer/poet for those who did not know. A very friendly guy but can be quite the opposite when pushed to the wall. This man is one of the people that will go down in history as having revolutionized the Choral/Solo Verse category especially scripted in Swahili.

Owen Habel Lwanda is an amazing poet with talent that can not be bound! An avid blogger with the handle "Kenyan Poet". A very likeable personality who will always want to hear any critique about his items whether positive or negative. A good friend who has also become a world tourist having been in Spain to get inspiration just the other day. This guy may be very quiet in person but is very loud on stage! He has scripted winning choral as well as solo verses. In 2011 he had scripted two choral verses that were runners-up and 2nd runners-up respectively in the Secondary category nationals in Bomas! He has been affiliated with Vanessa Grant School, MOi Forces Academy Lanet, Naivasha Girls, Moi Girls Eldoret, St Joseph's Seminary Molo among others. I am aware that this guy has been scripting for one of the schools in Metro but that's a story for another day! His solo verse with Moi Girls Eldoret was Runners-up last year at the Nationals. Just goes to show you that the like of Toili and Chahasi have to watch out coz this is one poet that we should all watch out for.




Phelly Ann is a teacher by profession. An accomplished choreographer, drama lover and adjudicator with a keen eye for detail. This is a lady who has made a name in this region with her beautiful dances from Uasingishu Primary. If you want to know a true artist, even when faced with adversity, one still gives the best of their work. I saw her join a dance interest group during a national workshop with a sling on her arm. This just goes to show her love for dance. I celebrate you Phelly!





Benson Kipai is the Deputy Headmaster Naikara Primary. A brilliant choreographer also who seeks help without fear and also gives guidance when it is sought from him. A humble teacher whop has accomplished much for his tender age. I hear wedding bells can also be heard from afar in his home area. This guy made history in the festival with having a Maasai dance winning in the primary category at the nationals in 2012 and a repeat performance in 2014. Kudos Ero!





Michael Kiguta is another brilliant script writer/director who is a teacher by profession. He has worked with Silas Temba (covered in Metro) in Menengai High School. This guy brought the true "child centered approach" in Secondary with issues that affect the day to day lives of the students. He has been an adjudicator for quite some time now and is therefore a very good critique if you need to see all the flaws in your script before you actualize it. We hope to see more from you this year Kiguta!




Jeremiah Wabuti is a learned "fellow" who has been scripting plays in Nzoia Region previously. He has been producing plays with Cheptenye in Mau with powerful stories and very energetic characters. A jovial guy who is very sociable with a keen interest in the production antiques on stage.






Samuel Otieno is one of the few people i've seen on social media who call it as it is though at times tends to be abit extreme if i may say so. An adjudicator and director who has worked with Moi Girls Eldoret with a love for linear storylines. May be directing St. Patrick's Iten and Mt. Kenya University this year.






Doreen Sikolia is the Patron Loreto High School Matunda. A no nonesense disciplinarian  who is very energetic if i may say so. a go-getter, hardworking and quite creative in choreography. We hope to see the students execute dance in your way mwalimu!





Sylvester & Maina are the duo that brought a very beautiful Kalenjin dance in Nyeri 2014 with Kapkenda Girls. The dance was very graceful with a beautiful story of a girl from the Kalenjin Community who fell inlove with a luo fisherman. The parents wanted to hear non of this and told her she has to marry a kalenjin sportsman who had won accolades internationaly. When her father fell ill and needed blood tranfusion, the only person who was a universal donor was the luo man that he had rejected. Quite a nice twist in the story. Anyway, I digress. I loved the dance. They have worked with Tambach TTC, Moi Girls Eldoret, Sambirir Girls and Kapkenda Girls. We hope to see the beautiful Kalenjin Dance this year guys.




Finlay Nashio Roy & Erick Odhiera are quite the flamboyant duo in their productions and have tried in their hands and brains in more than one genre of the festival namely Play, Modern Dance and Narrative. This is at the Primary and Secondary level of the festival. They have worked with Hill School Eldoret (Primary & Secondary) and St. Mary's Tachasis Girls. All the best guys.




Otanga Ngarisha who has been in Nzoia Region traditionally is now directing here. Has had stints with Moi Girls Eldoret and Kapsabet Boys. He has brought different styles of production and delivery of lines in play. Ngarisha is surely set to bring some much needed competition in this region.




Bobby Otieno & Bernard Ng'ang'a may not be very new to the festival. I have know Bobby as a brilliant Director especially Choral Verses. He has won quite a couple of times especially in Nairobi Zone Colleges Drama Festivals. The duo is said to be directing the play at Loreto Convent Matunda and Chebisaas Respectively. Hope to see you on the National Program sirs.


Cas Obiero is very quiet unless seated with friends that he's comfortable making noise with. Was with Drys Girls last year and i Hear he had moved to Kisii. Will confirm if he's in Kisii School and do that story. And just incase you did not know, he's a lawyer by profession! A good story teller in his script and quite creative in his scenic designs!


I HAVE NOT INCLUDED LILIAN MADIGO & SILAS TEMBA as i already covered them in the Metro treatise!

I will however also mention MR. SULEIMAN of Kipkaren Primary and SAMMY OMBIMA of Carol Academy who's contribution in the festival can not go unmentioned.


I will end this treatise with recognizing the young, energetic success driven young directors in this region. The likes of Yanga wa Yanga, Benjamin Okila, Janzen Bett, Wicky Kaon, Kevin Mbayagi, Melius Oscar & Evans Mwavali.


NB: I have heard that the likes of Elisha Otieno (covered in Metro), David Mido & Dan Najoli (covered in Central), Chris Wangalwa (to be covered in Lake) and Dickson Omari are in this region.

Just A Thought Part Three!

I know it's been a while and we were all waiting for Part Three..... Well you all know how the first days of the term are so here it goes....

Central Region

This is the region that according to some of the people I have spoken to has "Kingpins" of the festival.....Hehehehehehe i know you're wondering why i called them that but i'm only reitarating what others have expressed. And i can not be accused of being subjective when covering this region because i once consulted here for 4years.

So here it goes.....

Joseph Murungu on the right is the undisputed oldest consultant . Murungu has worked with Trikha Girls, Kabare Girls, Thika High, Limuru Girls, Njiiris School, Muranga High and Maryhill Girls. This guy has an immeasurable amount of experience in the festival. He can make a very serious matter in today's life look very trivial on stage with a comic approach yet deliver his message. He is one man who can script two or three plays and they take the winning bracket one after the other. An experienced Director/Adjudicator who is very willing to help and offer advice where need be. If you do not spot him on the National Bench, you are sure to spot him on the rapporteurs' desk!

Munene Wa Mumbi (center) is another well known consultant/director in Central Region. He has worked with institutions such as Mugoiri Girls, Tumutumu Girls, Nyeri High among others. Munene started of as a performer in school and representing KIMC at the National Festivals during his hay days as a student at the institution. An avid film scriptwriter/director, Munene has been a facilitator and adjudicator in our festival most recently being on the National Bench in 2015. A very good friend who will not shy away from reprimanding you when you're not on the right track and very sociable. The only genre this guy hasn't attempted is in the festival is Dance. This guy even scripted/directed "Musical Chairs" 2007, a Kikuyu Choral Verse that was one of the winning verses that year! An amazing comedian and Producer/Presenter with Inooro FM. 

Nelson Rambez Gitonga Director St. Marys Boys - Nyeri, is a young Director with alot of promise to do great things. Always humble and quick to point out that he will not engage in any form of back and forth with regards to results of the festival. A good soul that will definitely do well in the festival!

Peter "Labo" Ndung'u, here i might be biased because i know him as a former schoolmate, former member of the Kenyan Boys Choir, worked together in Maryhill, a very good friend of mine and also my mother treats him better than she treats me. Awkward i know!!!!! Anyway, this guy is an amazing instrumentalist and choreographer. Has worked with Maryhill Girls and Karima Girls (perenial runners-up winning dance for the last six years). A talented guy who rests after perfecting everything! 

Waswa Derrick has been a performer in the festival in the genre of narratives mainly but has grown out of his shell to become one of the play directors who are not to be underated in this region. He has worked with Maryhill Girls before and was with Baricho High last year. The Swahili Play that represented the region in Nakuru in 2015. He has also been working with his alma matter K.U. We await Baricho high this year Derrick.

Johnson Wa Nyaguthii is another veteran in the festival especially in Choral Verses. He has worked with Kangubiri Girls for quite some time as well as Thogoto TTC. This guy is also very well known in Highlands region where he works with Kaaga Girls with some beautiful English chorals (i must say this genre-English is really lacking in the festival). Kudos Johnson.

Smollo Andrew director Kirwara Boys, has been in the festival as a performer with Vihiga Boys and East Africa Media Institute respectively. A very talented actor and is headed in the right direction as he is now scripting and directing his own plays. Kudos Smollo and hope to see more from you.

Dan Najoli & David Kibe Mido are the dynamic duo that is directing Rarakwa Girls. They may look young but have managed to take a play to the Nationals from this region (2014 - in Nyeri). All the best guys. I will also cover them when i discuss Mau region soon as i have info on some schools where they are suspected of having scripts in.

Anne Karonji is a teacher by proffession. Was a science teacher at Senior Chief Koinange till she left to further her studies. Now a scholar! Ann has choreographed at Loreto Limuru and even Senior Chief. An experienced facilitator and adjudicator with an amazing personality. If Ann is not your friend yet you know her then you must be having a problem. As of 2015, she was with Iriaini Girls. All the best Ann.

Job Masika is the true definition of a proud "Bukusu" man. Hehehehehehehehehe an alumni of Chesamisi Boys and a former Best Narrator (2002 - Imondo), Job is just the person to sit with when you've had a stressful day. He's comedy itself. If you've known him for a while, this guy will amke you laugh even without speaking. Though at times you may not hear what he says due to the speed of words that are being spewed from his bucal cavity. He has worked with St. Goerges Girls, USIU, Utawala Academy, Nairobi Academy, Moi Girls School Nairobi, St. Francis Mang'u and Bishop Gatimu Ngandu. Job is a talented script writer and Direcor. Can't wait to have a laughing session with this guy!

Emmanuel Weyusia is a teacher by proffession. A friendly guy who is actually a very good critique. Little did i know that he scripts and directs Narratives till he won in the Narratives Secondary Schools category last year 2015. We hope you will retain the honors this year teacher!

Fred Omondi is the really dark guy on the right of the photo. This guy is one amazing friend and his laughter will just make you laugh whether you like it or not. Scriptwriter and Director who's been working with Alliance Girls since time in memorial and Kikuyu Day. Facilitator extraordinaire and one guy who loves items that are beyond our usual 3D lifestyle. Script an item that shows the struggle between man and the forces of nature and he will love the idea no matter how good/bad the execution is on stage. He will compliment the idea first before giving his critique on the other aspects of production. He is the ScriptWriter and main presenter of the "Hapa Kule" show on KTN. Impecable work ethics and a brilliant man who has already achieved what many hope for.

My footer:

This may not be an exhaustive list but those are the ones i have seen who have items that have been in the limelight over the years!

Others such as Charity i have covered under Metropolitan Region. There are those who are not very active on social media such as one Mr. Gatere and thus their photos are very hard to find. This guy has won in the Narrative category with Kijabe Boys for quite some time.

If there are those that you feel have been left out, please do not forget to inbox me and i shall do the necessary as soon as possible!

Just a Thought Part Two!

I know i had promised to dish on Central Region but i have to do Coast before. Still getting some information on the guys in Central because i feel that it needs to be very accurate!

Coast Region:

So here i shall try and be abit more systematic! I shall start from the youngest in the field of directing to the more experienced ones....





Mbaruk Mwalimu Wazzah a product of Malindi High and was trained by one Joseph Akwiri. This young man is quite jovial and very friendly. Haven't interacted with him much but the few times we have spoken he's quite expressive and aware of the theatre industry. Was among the best actors in 2012 while on stage with Malindi High and went on to join KIMC where he was also assisting in the productions of the institute. He works with the very talented students of Waa Girls. Hope to see your work this year at the Nationals Mbaruk!






Kevin Lubanga is down to earth and at times very quite. Except when your someone he's free with and he lets loose. Works with Puma Secondary School, Khamis High School and also is affiliated with Waa Girls. A gifted poet that will make headway soon in the festival. But stop hiding in Kampala on your scripting expeditions Kevin.






Sharif & Amakobe are the dynamic duo in coast. To me they seem like the younger version of Yusuf Mwinyihija & Daniel Mwaringa. Talented young men and though i've not interacted with Amakobe, I know Sharif as a former student and actor at KIMC. Listens to critique and actually acts on it! Very talented in scripting and can only get better with experience.






Joseph Akwiri is the apt Director of Malindi High. Haven't spoken to him if i may be honest, but from what I gather he's a very able no nonsense Director when he's bringing his script to life. His play was position 2 in 2012 while the nationals were in Kakamega! We await the boys of Malindi this year Joseph.

   
Penny Suleiman Chidonga is a choreograper that is very down to earth and brilliant in his work! He loves life to the fullest and takes his wins as well as lack of wins in stride. Has worked with Matuga Girls as well as Kwale Girls. I still remember the winning dance in 2003 by Matuga girls where one of the dancers' waist band fell while she was at the forefront, the girl just went back stage, tied the waist band of her costume and came back on stage, with more vigour than she had before! That takes alot of mental and physical strength for a student to do and it just goes to show that she has been moulded into an artist by a true artist! The girl went on to be the best dancer that year. Kudos Penny! He is not on social media hence no photo of this gentleman as he claims he is too "old" for these things. hehehehehehehe

 



 Moses Nyongesa is a man who likes to be in the background. Very quiet but quite friendly when you interact with him. Formerly of Ribe Boys now with Kajembe High School. We await your performance sir.

 


Celine Lusweti is a lady i have had the pleasure of interacting with as we were both in the modern dance interest group at the National Workshop in 2014. A very disciplined teacher and dancer if I may say so. She has been with Vuga Primary (Wining dance Primary 2010) and as of last year was at Ziwani Primary School. We await those beautiful coastal moves on stage Celine!


 

 
Esther Mbaga is the Secretary Secondary Schools Drama in Coast Region. An avid reader, a dedicated teacher and a very good critique. Just incase you did not know she has been an adjudicator for quite some time upto and including at the national level! A woman who will not lie to you with regards to her own views on your script!


 


Daniel Mwaringa.....I think you can not mention Drama Festivals in the Coast Region without mentioning this man! Known for his truly "African" dressing during the festivals and no nonsense look on the bench! At times some students would be very demoralized while trying to crack jokes on stage and the man will not even blink let alone smile. An experienced teacher/lecturer, adjudicator, facilitator, director and soon to be "Doctor" after his award for his PhD! He is currently a lecturer at the Technical University of Mombasa where he has been working alongside Yusuf Mwinyihija to lay proper foundation for "TEAM KUBWA!" Is the immediate former Chairman of the Coast Colleges and Universities Drama Festival.

 


Elizabeth Ngare....Mother, teacher, friend and dancer extra extraordinaire. And i know for a fact because i've shared a stage with her and she can move. A brilliant choreographer who has worked with Consolata School (winning dance at the nationals) and is currently the head of Likoni School for the Visually Impaired. An accomplished adjudicator with very good insight on scripting, musicality and dance!


 


Last but definatley not least is Yusuf Mwinyihija. Where do I begin? Its difficult to write about this man who has achieved so much. Pioneer Coastal films Best Actor award,Udhalimu TV programme Best Actor award and even The Distinguished service to Kenyan theater award in 2000. Has scripted winning plays for so long i can not even start to mention them. But i will not forget "Garang". It'll forever be etched on my mind. This man has even been fought with "rumours" due to his steller performance. A facilitator, adjudicator and scholar as you can see from the photo! This man has the ability to make you laugh histerically without even smiling! He directs "Team Kubwa" and is also a very good resource in developing your plot. A very friendly and jovial guy. Keep up the spirit Yusuf!


Central i'm coming to you!!!!!!! 

Just a Thought Part One! And a very long thought put down on that note!

So here I am thinking about a script and thought to Myself, what are other Directors in different regions doing? Who do we expect to make an impact in those regions?

Today we look at:

Metropolitan

Well there are many Consultants that are in this region and they are busy crafting. I shall mention just but afew and abit of where they are hiding!!!!! Hehehe I can see my friend Xavier laughing as it dawns on him that i'm actually typing this.






So I shall start with Xavier Nato. Once with Utawala Academy, we expect him to be with St. Georges with another amazing Swahili Script. The simplicity that the play (87,422 - St. Georges Girls) had this year, and an approach of those issues that affect students and makes it very easy for them to identify with was its selling point. He is also the Director Kenya Methodist University - Nrb Campus. I have not said the new school your scripting for Xavier and i've not even mentioned the Principal from Coast Region who is on your neck for a script! Xavier has a way of forging a lasting friendship with those he's directing as well as those around him which is a trait that many should ape but also get that boundary set from the beginning! Hope to see more of that Xavier!






I realize that many might not know his face or very tiny voice....hehehehehehe but he is Justine Ong'wen Artistic Director Riara Springs. The school has won in the play category in 2012 and in 2014. No mean task though and you might not have interacted with him much but he's a soft spoken and very hard working director. He enjoys proving people wrong with his work on stage. He may be quiet, but very Loud on stage! A quiet but very stern director who always puts his thoughts out clearly for all and sundry.


 

Upcoming and budding Howard Lumumba, Director Sunshine Secondary School. A creative and ethical young director who will do great things. May need abit of assistance in Scripting but the creativity in set/scenic design is amazing! Keep up Howard.


 


One Lilian Madigo has been dubbed "the iron lady" of the festival having ventured in a genre (Play) dominated by men. She has not only managed to steer Nakuru Lions Primary to the overall winning Primary School of the Kenya National Drama Festival for the last 9 years but also managed to lead Laiser Hill Academy to the Winning Play Position for Secondary Schools 2015. An avid script writer with years of experience in the festival. I would say working with Nakuru Lions Primary School for all those years has given her the "child centered approach" that her items have which endears them to the audience. Down to earth and very quiet, this humble lady can be your best friend and worst nightmare all rolled into one.She says she has retired just as i have but that remains to be seen doesn't it?


 

 
The duo of Samkokto Odoyo & Henry Owese. These guys are the most persistent duo i've met so far! Henry choreographed "Agrementa" a winning dance that was done by Moi Girls School Nairobi in 1998. They are with BuruBuru Girls and most recently with Tala Girls (2015). Didn't expect the girls from Tala to perform a Luo Dramatized dance that well. However after watching the item on stage, you could see that some really talented hands were working with those girls. Just like a gifted sculptor bringing clay to life with a beautiful vase. Keep up with that fighting spirit guys.


 


Another duo of young directors who are just itching to take this festival by storm is that of James Yaa Kahindi & Ali Mwachuo. Having acted alongside  each other from High School (Kakamega High) through to College (Kenya Institute of Mass Communication) these two have what we know as the YING-YANG type of relationship. They have worked with Aquinas High School (2012) Nairobi School for the last two years, KIMC and things seem to be promising for these two. 




After Kasigwa's untimely demise, the oldest Consultant crown was handed over to one Joseph Murungu and the second oldest is Hudson Wafula aka "Nde Lema". An old boy of Dagoretti High School, Wafula has choreographed in the festival since 1989! I know, sit there and let it all sink in. This guy single handedly revolutionized choreography of dances in our festival. He introduced patterns in the dance and even the use of rostrums in dance. Of late he has gone back to "no rostrums" on stage and it seems to be working brilliantly for him. A brilliant mind that is getting better with age!




Hannington Ochieng is not only the Nairobi County Primary Schools Drama Secretary but also the Patron Westlands Primary School. An avid reader, script writer and British Council Trainer of Trainers, Hannington has not only steered Westlands Primary to greater heights but also the whole of Nairobi in a festival (Primary Category) that was dominated by Nzoia and Mau Regions. Kudos teacher and keep up!

 



Charity Muraguri. An accomplished lecturer from Thogoto TTC and the first choreographer to have a Kikuyu Dramatized dance in the winning bracket when Thogoto TTC emerged as the Winning Dance (Colleges Category) in Meru 2009 with a Kikuyu Dance. Full of energy and "out of the box" ideas and i mean literally. Has worked with Kangubiri Girls, Karima Girls, Mount Kenya University amongst others. We can't wait to see what Thogoto and Kangubiri Girls have for us this year madam "SHARITY".


 

One man who loves animals to death Elisha Otieno. This is one guy who will use any available situation to be creative with the happenings of that particular moment. And ofcourse an animal will be involved. Having started choreography in the late nineties yes i'm talking about 1997 onwards, under the pupilage of Bwire Ojiambo and Dr. Oj Odhiambo this guy has seen his share of dramatic twists and turns. Always jolly and willing to help with a brilliant mind in scripting. He has worked with Our Lady of Fatima Secondary School, Aquinas High School, St. Georges Girls, Kenya High, Zetech University and now i hear he's going to be dancing while on StateHouse Road. No Elisha, i did not just tell everyone you'll be in Statehouse! Hope to see that animal on stage!






One man who has nurtured half the faces you see on our screens daily either as journalists or actors in our local programs is Wycliffe Amayoka Tsinje Buhere aka "Msiani". This guy has seen the who is who in the media industry pass through his hands. The chair of the Metropolitan Technical Colleges Drama Festival, he's a seasoned adjudicator as well as facilitator. The guy is not afraid to even critique his own items to ensure they have the best. Kudos sir and hope to see the best from KIMC in 2016!




The brains behind those movements and delivery you've been seeing from Precious Blood Girls Riruta Benjamin Ondara. Down to earth and also works with Zetech University Benja as he's popularly referred to as likes to be on the down low and will only be seen preparing the students for the stage! We await the Riruta girls this year Benja!




The Twins Dickson Omari & Francis Odee. These two guys can be very annoying when they start talking about items coz they do not know how to sugar coat things. Talk about having no chills but they are known to be working with Nakeel Boys and Dawamu respectively. Dickson has also been affiliated with Laiser Hill Primary. Guys can we try and not throw so much shade on other items till the festival is over? lol!




The only other person involved in the festival who has also nurtured a numerous number of media personalities is one Bernard Nyanje!! I have even been called to do an interview on radio (Radio France) by one of his former students. I mean why can't you be proud when you have students working abroad as international journalists and they acknowledge what you do? This man has helped East Africa Media Institute and now is back to his original station East Africa School of Media Studies having left the Nairobi Aviation College after choreographing their winning Modern Dance!






Having scripted the winning choral verse secondary category in 2012 just after finishing high school, one Isaac Kimiywi tried his hand at scripting and directing his own item and ended up with the winning solo verse in 2013 and 2014 with Moi Girls School Nairobi. A brilliant soft spoken young mind that will one day script an award winning film world wide.





Narudi Ocha genge Artist Kevin Adudans aka "Qtah-C" has also been in the scene for some time now and is an alumni of Dagoretti High School for those who didn't know. Has worked with Ngara Girls, Eastleigh High School, Pumwani Girls and even EASMS. Would love to see him more in the "child centred" areas of scripting for him to make an impact but he is an amazing choreographer that just needs to head in the right direction right from the scripting level.






I love seeing young and budding new directors joining the festival. It shows that more people are exploring their talents and would love to use the arts as their source of livelihood. And with that statement i welcome Jera Etale & Feona Olunja to Metro Region. These two have worked together on stage as performers in the KIMC dances as well as choreographers for Nembu Girls. Last year they were position 4 in Metro and this is no easy task especially in a region that has amazing choreographers. The two have previously worked with Apostolic Carmel Girls, Olooseos and also Nile Road Girls.





The dynamic duo of Fredrick Masambaya & Henry Wanjala. Currently these two are Managing the Kenyan Boys Choir (a group I loved since it was started when we were in high school). Alumni of the great Aquinas High School (but do I say this school produced some of the best....hehehehe myself included!!) They have previously worked with Loreto Limuru and Gacio Junior Academy. Currently with Kenya High School. These guys are talented not only as choreographers but as composers of music.







One John Rickens has been choreographing in the Primary category for some time. Very quiet and you'd hardly notice him till he talks to you. John i live your humble nature and keep up the good work you have been doing with the pupils at Parklands Primary.




Another alumni of Aquinas High School is the defending winning choreographer (Primary Section) Vincent Omondi. This guy may not be known but he's surely making head way with his work on stage. So proud of you Vincent and hope to see more of your good work!



Last but definitely not least is the one and only Allan Chahasi. This guy is one person who does not shy away from controversy and will defend his item to the last minute. An avid script writer/director who has the potential of titlting the balance in the verse category but is limiting himself. Allan let go and unleash the Chahasi who emerged the best in 2005. Has worked with Mbale Boys, Nairobi School, St. Deborah Girls, Nairobi Technical Training College and EASMS.


NEXT I SHALL LOOK AT THE DIRECTORS IN CENTRAL REGION!!!!