Episode 244: An Ambassador for African Choirs with Ken Wakia

Choralosophy

Recently named one of the 100 most influential Africans, Ken Wakia joins me to share his story as a Kenyan Choral musician and founder of the successful Nairobi Chamber Chorus.

In this episode I am honored to speak with Ken Wakia, a prominent choir director from Kenya. Ken shares his inspiring journey from a small village by Lake Victoria where he was literally FORCED to sing in choir, to becoming a recognized international figure in choral music. He discusses the cultural perceptions of music education in Africa, the evolution of choral music, and the impact of the Nairobi Chamber Chorus. Ken emphasizes the importance of music as a tool for communication and understanding across cultures, and reflects on the recognition he has received for his contributions to the field. This episode also touches on:

• Choral music has deep roots in African culture, predating formal choirs.
• The Nairobi Chamber Chorus aims to reflect Kenya’s diverse cultures.
• Recognition in the arts can change perceptions of value in music.
• Ken’s father initially disapproved of his music career choice.
• The unique organizational structure of the Nairobi Chamber Chorus

Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!

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Named one of the top 100 most influential people in Africa for the year 2024, by the New African Magazine, Ken has a rich and diverse career, blending expertise in music, cultural diplomacy, and education, with extensive leadership roles in both the arts and public sector.

Ken holds a Master of Music in choral conducting from the University of Miami, Florida, where he studied with Prof. Jo-Michael Scheibe as a Fulbright Scholar, and a Bachelor of Education degree in music from Kenyatta University, Nairobi. He is very proud of his early academic life studying under a tree at Ruga Primary School in Homabay before going to Mumias Complex Primary School and eventually to Musingu High School in Kakamega.

He started his career teaching music at Precious Blood Girls Secondary School in Nairobi and later as the Assistant Dean of Students at the Africa Nazarene University

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Ken has an extensive local and international conducting credits as guest conductor and the founding director for the Nairobi Chamber Chorus (NCC) and the Safaricom workplace choir. He has conducted the Nairobi Music Society and the Nairobi Orchestra at various concerts in Nairobi.

In 2017, Ken conducted the World Youth Choir on their tour of Hungary and the Balkan states while in February 2020, he conducted the International Schools of Southern and Eastern Africa in Zambia.

Under his leadership, NCC has performed to audiences in Africa and beyond. They represented Kenya at the Queen of England’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations at Windsor Castle in 2012 and at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National conference in Kansas City in 2019. He has also led the choir on tours through Europe, Saudi Arabia, the USA, Australia, China, Hongkong, South Korea and Japan in 2025 performing with the World of Hans Zimmer and Hans Zimmer Live productions.

A strong believer in the power of music as a tool for global change, Ken is known for leading several initiatives and collaborations which bring diverse musicians together to share their cultural heritage and explore new music together. His deliberate eclectic style of programming reflects his passion for choral music as a tool for global peace.

Alongside Dr. Kevin Fenton from Florida State University, he co-founded AVoice4Peace project which seeks to promote non-violent resolutions to conflict around the world through music.

Ken founded the Nairobi Chamber Chorus with a vision of enabling young Kenyans to participate in a high-quality musical forum from which they can build their careers and expand their realm of knowledge and interest in the arts. Since its inception, more than three hundred young Kenyans have gone through NCC and many are now leading musicians in Kenya, performing and teaching music across the country and beyond.

His work at Precious Blood Girls’ High School saw him significantly contribute to the development of the school’s musical program and its community outreach, including establishing an annual benefit concert to support underprivileged students.

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In public diplomacy, Ken made significant contributions as the Cultural and Educational Affairs Specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi between 2010 and 2022 where he managed a wide range of cultural diplomacy programs for the US State Department.

With a solid foundation in both arts and diplomacy, combined with a deep commitment to education and community engagement, Ken’s professional profile reflects a dynamic and impactful career that bridges cultural exchange through music.

As a result of Ken’s dedication to promoting Kenyan and African choral music internationally through the Nairobi Chamber Chorus, he was recognized as one of the top100 most influential people in Africa for the year 2024. He was also recognized as the 2019 African Image Maker by the Voice Achievers Award International.

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