Talanta Mtaani

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TALANTA MTAANI

The 97s Band is a boys’ band comprising of three students of Machakos University, namely;

  • James Gitau- Economics & Finance
  • Leslie Collins- Statistics & Programming
  • Michael Muriuki- Mathematics & Business

Their competence as vocalists, guitarists, pianists, Intellectual Property Rights Ambassadors, among other skills, was gained earlier this year after undergoing training in all of the above during the just concluded nationwide competition known as Talanta Mtaani.

Out of the one hundred and fiftythree contestants who were auditioned, The 97s Band made it to regional level where both the Judges and the Kenyan public votes determined who was to proceed to quarter finals. At this level, the trio managed to be the best from the Machakos region.

Finally, after the long competitive journey, they made it to the finals where only the voting by public determined who would win the grand prize. At this definitive level they emerged the second best (first runners up).

Talanta Mtaani performing during the Machakos University Environment and Cleaning Day

It is worth noting that at each level these students attended four sessions of rigorous training. This training adopted the Protection, Interconnection, Mentorship and Assistance (PIMA) model of training which identifies and nurtures Creative Arts talents for gainful employment in the creative industry while promoting peaceful co-existence. They were taught about branding themselves as artists in particular and products branding in general. They also learned skills in copyrights, Intellectual Property, budgeting and management of funds and other resources (see copies of certificates).

This training was sponsored by the Civil Society Urban Development Forum, UWEZO Awareness, C.I.P.L.A.R., in collaboration with the Standard Group and the Embassy of Sweden.  The Talanta Mtaani show was aired every Friday on KTN (Home) Television at 8:00 pm.