NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya’s 61st Jamhuri Day celebrations took a melodious turn as legendary Kenyan artistes graced the stage at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.
With a lineup featuring icons like Esther Wahome, Daddy Owen, Mejja, Jua Cali, and Jaguar, the event highlighted a nostalgic nod to Kenya’s musical heritage.
But the conversation didn’t end with applause—leaders like Nyali MP Mohammed Ali and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja called for deeper recognition of the artistes’ contributions.
In a spirited statement on Jamhuri Day, Nyali MP and former journalist Mohammed Ali praised the organizers for exclusively showcasing Kenyan talent. Ali, however, had one pressing message: pay the artistes well.
“Congrats to the organizers of today’s Jamhuri Day event,” Ali stated. “To the promoters, buy Kenya, jenga Kenya music. Free our local musicians, pay them well. Leo hao wasanii walipwe vizuri. Salute!”
Ali’s comments underscored the broader need for fair compensation and support for local musicians. This sentiment resonates with ongoing efforts to prioritize Kenyan content and elevate the country’s creative industries.
Adding a layer of permanence to the festivities, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja announced plans to honor Kenya’s music legends by renaming select roads in their memory.
“We shall be renaming some of our roads after some of our artistes,” Sakaja declared during the celebrations. He revealed that South “C” would soon have a road named after the late E-sir, a trailblazer in Kenya’s music scene whose legacy continues to inspire.
This move aligns with the city’s broader vision to recognize artistic contributions and immortalize Kenya’s cultural icons.
Jamhuri Day, celebrated annually on December 12, commemorates Kenya’s transformation into a republic in 1964 following independence from British colonial rule. The day also marks the adoption of Kenya’s first constitution, a pivotal step in achieving full self-governance.
This year’s celebrations bridged the past and present, celebrating not just political milestones but also the rich tapestry of Kenyan artistry.
While the focus on legendary performers brought a wave of nostalgia, the absence of modern-generation artistes sparked conversations about representation and inclusivity in national events.
As Kenya continues to honor its history, the 2024 Jamhuri Day celebrations served as a vibrant reminder of the nation’s creative spirit and the importance of preserving its cultural legacy.
