Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha has called upon music directors, teachers and students to turn music into a money generating activity.
Speaking during the official opening of the 94th edition of the Kenya Music Festival (KMF) ongoing in Kisumu, the CS said music is a powerful tool and currently among the most lucrative jobs.
“They started slowly and today everyone is watching them on screens while their cultural music plays in the background. Why not create ours in Kenya.”
Prof George Magoha
“Music is more important in our life than academics. It is life,” Magoha said.
Magoha hailed the growth of the music and drama industry in Nigeria saying it has risen over time to be among the most lucrative industries.
“They started slowly and today everyone is watching them on screens while their cultural music plays in the background. Why not create ours in Kenya,” he questioned.
Monetising music
The CS challenged the Kenya National Music Festival Organizers to collaborate with industry players to propel music growth.
He called upon KMF Executive to integrate music with theater and cinema as it is a proven multi-billion dollar industry.
Magoha further urged students and film directors to take music as a career and fully pursue it.
He added, “You don’t have to say you passed and went to the university. You can create a company and employ those who went to University.”
Magoha expressed hope of Kenya developing and building its music industry right from primary level through the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC).
You don’t have to say you passed and went to the university. You can create a company and employ those who went to University
Magoha
He defended his decision to retain CBC saying, “Learners who will go through this curriculum will come out ready for the job market.”
The music festival resumed after a two-year standstill that was caused by Covid-19 pandemic.
With 600 music genres to be performed, the festival has attracted over 70,000 participants drawn from primary and secondary schools, organizations and higher learning institutions.