Dueling Strings

Lights faded dim as Sauti Sol played through the speakers at the DJ booth. The atmosphere was a mixture of chilled out vibes and class, just perfect for the combo of Classical and African music that was about to implode on the audience. A violin stood on its side while a drum set was at the back of the stage commanding the room. Looking through the backstage door you could see the nervous peeping of performers, eager to showcase their talents.

At the back of the room was a proud cabinet of trophies with lights illuminating their congratulatory words. That little room at the Michael Joseph Centre had turned into a jam room with sounds of soul igniting in every corner.

Four guys dressed in black shirts and tan chinos came on stage. They were Lots of Love, a band with a killer base and shoulder moving music. They played us two of their songs with lyrics that filled the audience with happiness.

The incredibly witty host and his beautifully dressed hostess introduced us to the evening; A clash of Classical and African music competing for a KES 10k prize that the audience would vote on. The competitors were the African Kings Jagas and Ododa and Classic Queens Bernadette and Masala. They each captivated the audience with their mash-up of the two worlds. Between the competitor’s performances, two spoken word poets came on stage speaking words of wisdom and wit fused with the Classic and African beats. The musicians kept on playing while the audience tried hard to decide whom they’d vote for.

In the end, it was the serenading yet jolly sounds of the African beats that captured the audience’s hearts. The African Kings won their 10 thousand shilling prize. The night ended with more music from Lots of Love with the audience dancing around the room. All in all it was an awesome night. Dueling strings is definitely something that should be done again.

Thanks to Infinity Ingeneo for this amazing night. For more information on the company click here

By Cherie Kihato