Music across the Rift Valley is no longer viewed merely as cultural expression; it has emerged as a competitive and profitable enterprise, transforming the fortunes of many artists.
Musicians who once relied on meager copyright royalties are now building multimillion-shilling homes, running successful businesses and driving luxury vehicles, an evolution largely credited to the Kalenjin Music Festival Awards (KMFA).
The transformation began two years ago with the establishment of KMFA by Emurua Dikkir Member of Parliament, Johanna Ngeno. Conceived as a platform to recognise and reward artistic excellence, the annual awards, held every December, have steadily grown in stature and influence.
After two editions hosted at the historic Kapkatet grounds in Kipsigis, this year’s ceremony moved to Eldoret Sports Club, drawing thousands of Kalenjin music fans alongside a host of national and regional leaders. The move underscored the growing prominence of the awards and the creative economy they now represent.
A shift in the Kalenjin music industry
For years, musicians, media personalities, radio callers, and content creators struggled with limited support and recognition.
KMFA has shifted that narrative by offering structured competition, cash rewards, and public acclaim, with the top three winners in each category walking away with substantial prizes.
Beyond the awards ceremony itself, MP Ngeno, who serves as founder and patron, has taken an active role in championing the creative sector. He has attended hundreds of artist-led empowerment events, urging fellow leaders and fans to support musicians through fundraising initiatives and community engagements.
As a result, many artists who once faced financial hardship are now financially stable, with some diversifying into side businesses while others showcase newfound success through high-end vehicles and investments.
“The initiative by MP Ngeno to champion recognition and support for both secular and gospel artists is God-sent,” said one musician. “Our singing, which was once purely cultural, is now a reliable source of income. We feel recognised, appreciated and supported.”
Artists who have successfully organised empowerment events during personal milestones include Mwalimu Kendagor, Israel (aka Young Man), Vicky Brilliance, MC Sheldon, Philip Rono (Arap Laal), Sheila Mark, and Mike Aron (Sweet Star), among others.
Monetising talent
According to MP Ngeno, talent, especially in the digital age, has immense economic potential. He noted that supporting musicians and creative artists enables them to sustain their families, uplift communities, and reduce poverty and dependency on well-wishers.
During this year’s event, which was broadcast live on Kalenjin television stations, MP Ngeno thanked President William Ruto for his support of the initiative.
The ceremony was also attended by Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, Senator Jackson Mandago, Emgwen MP Josses Kiptoo Lelmengit, Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo, Marakwet West MP Timothy Toroitich, Kesses MP James Kimaru Bett and Aldai MP Marianne Jebet Kitany.
Governor Jonathan Bii pledged to establish a recording studio to support upcoming artists, urging other Rift Valley counties to follow suit.
“We are grateful to our patron, MP Ngeno, for this visionary initiative,” he said. “I will begin by setting up a recording studio where upcoming artists can record their songs free of charge, and I encourage fellow Rift Valley governors to do the same.”
KMFA Awards voting process
A dedicated committee oversees the voting process, which opens several weeks before the awards.
Winners are selected across a wide range of categories, including Best Overall Artist, Best Upcoming Male and Female Artists (secular and gospel), Best Secular Band, Gospel Song of the Year, Topical Song of the Year, Ceremonial Song of the Year, Best Audio and Video Producers, and Humanitarian Award.
Other categories entail Pencil Artist of the Year, Most Popular Radio Caller, Best Secular and Gospel Collaboration, Best MC, Best DJ, Best Content Creator, Social Media Personality of the Year, Guitarist of the Year, Dancers of the Year, and Kalenjin Kids Talent Awards, posthumous award, among others.
Beyond KMFA awards
Beyond accolades and financial rewards, KMFA has also fostered unity among the eight Kalenjin sub-tribes by providing a shared platform for interaction, cultural exchange, and brotherhood.
However, the awards have not been without criticism. Artist Lilian Mibei, who finished third in her category, expressed dissatisfaction with the process, claiming that the criteria for selecting winners was unclear.
“I was in the field early in the morning but was denied the opportunity to perform despite being a participant,” she said. “Others who were not participants were allowed to perform.”
She called for greater transparency in the selection and voting process to ensure it is clearly understood by artists and the public alike.
Despite such concerns, KMFA continues to be widely regarded as a game-changer—turning music into a recognised business venture and reshaping the creative landscape of the Rift Valley.
Celebrated Junior Kotestes, who sang Karibu Narok was one of the best during the awards, a day after got involved in fierce war of words with Chamge FM presenters over the awards, faulting how the event was organized.
Discussion about this post