Throughout the 1970's, right after Kenya gained independence from Britain, the main goal of education in Kenya was to promote nationalism. In musical eduaction, the teaching of instruments and songs that are indegenous to Kenya, as well as the history of music and dance in the Kenya, was a big part of the teaching curriculum. However, the prominence of a strong music and dance cultural aspect was not being emphasized by the nation starting in the 90's. With musical influence coming to Africa all around the globe, new dance and music became relevent in Kenya. Starting in 1993, the Kenya Music Festival was created. The festival is for students in school and colleges within the country to join a competition-like festival. The festival is designed to showcase the country's best performers, as well as teach them along the way. The purpose of the event is to encourage the study, practice, and development of music and dance, and preseve and promote the nation's culture. The festival includes many categories. Some of the categories are devoted towards the existing cultural aspects in Kenya, and others are for students of music that are studying the recent influences of other countries. For example, Kenya has seen various French, Indian, and Western influences. For each influence, the Kenya Music Festival selected tutors from such influences to further teach the aspiring musicians.
Evaluation:
This article shows that although cultural music and dance is a big deal to a country like Kenya, the nation is still open to showcasing new talent that is not indegenous to the country. The main goal is to keep the vast music and dance culture relevent in Kenya and to keep developing it.
Citation:
Opondo, Patricia A. "Cultural Policies In Kenya." Arts Education Policy Review 101.5 (2000): 18. Education Research Complete. Web. 7 Dec. 2011.
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