Kenyan Boys Choir
| Kenyan Boys Choir | |
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| File:Kenyan Boys Choir 01.jpg
The Kenyan Boys Choir, Heathrow Airport
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Genres | Choral Music |
| Occupation(s) | Choir |
| Years active | 2004 – present |
| Labels | Universal Music Group Decca Records |
| Website | kenyanboyschoir |
The Kenyan Boys Choir is an African traditional and contemporary male voice choir based in the city of Nairobi, Kenya.
Background
The Kenyan Boys Choir consists of 25 school boys, aged between 13 and 24, from various Kenyan backgrounds and tribes, brought together by the urge to sing and nurture their talent.The choir was directed by the former director Joseph Muyale Inzai till 2010. The choir gained widespread recognition and international media coverage in early 2009 after performing at Barack Obama's inauguration ceremony in Washington, D.C.[1] On their way back to Nairobi they were intercepted by Universal Music Group representatives waiting for them at Heathrow Airport in London and were signed in the departure lounge to Decca Records as they waited for their connecting flight.[2]
The choir was started in 2004 to help boys from underprivileged backgrounds raise money to pay for their school fees. Primarily performing traditional Maasai and Samburu chants, the choir also embrace contemporary African and European classical pieces.In the recent years, 2011 and 2013 respectively, the Kenyan Boys Choir has performed with Nelly Furtado, (also featured in her Album The Spirit Indestructible -'deluxe version' in 2012), Demi Lovato, Shawn Desman, Kardinal Official, and other renowned artistes on WE DAY an annual series of stadium sized events.
Discography
Albums
- Uvumbuzi (2004)
- Amerika Jambo (2008)
- Spirit of Africa (2009)
- Liberty (2013)
- Furahia (2014)
Singles
- '"Homeless" (2009)
- '"Drummer boy" (2010)
- '"Kenya" (2013)
- '"Feliz Navidad" (2014)
- '"Jealous (Nick Jonas) cover" (2015)
References
- ↑ Telegraph Online The Kenyan Boys Choir: Obama's dream team Accessed: 23 June 2009
- ↑ BBC National News Obama's Kenyan choir signs deal Accessed: 23 June 2009
