After two weeks of rigorous auditions for the 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations across Kitui County, the Permanent Presidential Music Commission (PPMC) has announced that the exercise has borne fruit.
The auditions exercise is in readiness for the national event scheduled to take place at the Ithookwe Showground. The venue is currently being transformed into a 10,000-seater stadium ahead of the October celebrations.
This year’s Mashujaa Day is expected to shine a national spotlight on Kitui, showcasing its potential in investment, tourism, hospitality and other sectors, while boosting the county’s standing on the national stage.
County-Wide Auditions
The auditions have been staged in over 30 different locations, with some areas hosting two sessions simultaneously due to the vastness and rich heritage of the county.
Venues covered during the two-week exercise include Nthangani, Katse, Tseikuru, Kyuso, Nguni, Nuu, Migwani, Mwingi Town, Mutitu wa Ndooa, Zombe, Mutomo, Ikutha, Mbitini, Katulani, Kabati, Kwa Vonza, Kanyangi, Matinyani, Nzambani, Kitui Town, among others.
According to PPMC, the turnout has been impressive and overwhelming, with participants from all age groups registering to showcase talent. Cultural troupes, contemporary dance groups, gospel choirs, solo singers and mainstream Kamba contemporary musicians have all taken centre stage.
Commenting on the process, Dr Otoyo said: “The turnout has exceeded our expectations, and we are confident that the very best showcased within the time allocated is indeed the best this region has to offer in terms of creativity. We are working to fast-track the process so that preparations and rehearsals can begin immediately, given the tight schedule of just one and a half months.”
Among the notable names who appeared for auditions were Dr. Mbuvi of Kinze fame, Stephen Kasolo, Stellar Mengele, Annastacia Muema, and the veteran Kakongo Sisters.
The leadership of PPMC, led by Director Dr Donald Otoyo, have been present to ensure the process meets set standards.
Dr Otoyo was joined by Deputy County Commissioners Rukia Chitechi (Migwani Sub-County) and Ruth Obuya (Kuawi Sub-County) Catherine Njoroge(Mwingi Central Sub-County), who encouraged participants and familiarised themselves with PPMC’s procedures for vetting and onboarding talent for national day performances.
PPMC has put in place a team of creative choreographers, dance coaches, organists, arrangers and visual creatives to create the 2025 Mashujaa Day pieces. The different categories and performance themes will be communicated in due course.
