Rayvanny's big surprise for Eldoret

Tanzanian music sensation Rayvanny (Raymond Shaban) took Eldoret City by storm last weekend.

The Bongo Flava star touched down in Eldoret on Saturday for the first anniversary celebrations of TLB Lounge, but rip-roared the city, setting off the festive in style.

His designer outfits aside, the former Wasafi Records signee made his second major visit to Kenya in the last one year after a show-stopper in Mombasa in 2023, more special.

Rayvanny spent his afternoon with the Eldoret National Polytechnic dancers for electrifying performances and talent nurturing. A jammed pavilion and unmatched energy and great dances offered Rayvanny the theatre for an unforgettable show.

Budding talents with the knack for music and dancing dynamics got a rare opportunity to share stage with the Tanzanian songwriter and recording artiste. Upcoming artistes also had a chance to sing, Number One, Kitu Kizito, Tetema and Mwambieni alongside the Tanzanian superstar.

Eldoret City’s streets were momentarily thronged as music lovers caught a glimpse of the music star. Rayvanny said performing at a learning institution was exciting and encouraging for music talents.

He said it was special because technical students with music talents got a chance to interact with him, albeit briefly.

“It’s exciting to meet and interact with young people with ambitions in music. When we interact, we learn from each other. Music is a big thing for them and I am glad because our presence inspires them,” he said as he interacted with students.

The artiste went on: “Let us keep forging unity and collaboration. This industry is big for all of us.”

Rayvanny promised to spend more time with young talents whenever he visits Kenya.

Upcoming talents said Rayvanny’s arrival was an indication of Eldoret’s position as a destination for entertainment especially during the festive season.

Enock Wambida of Eldoret national Polytechnic’s Igniters dance crew said Rayvanny’s coming was a major boost to talent development.

Wambida said upcoming talents used the opportunity to learn from Rayvanny’s crew.

“International talents met upcoming talents. It was a moment to encourage talents and encourage them that we can acquire educational skills as we pursue music talents,” the dancer says.

According to Eldoret National Polytechnic students president Elijah Shollei Rayvanny’s visit was an opportunity to showcase talents.

Shollei says Rayvanny’s show at the institution provided a platform to connect talents to global personalities.

“Music, acting and modeling are well paying and should be embraced. Talents are already earned and linkages with top talents should not be ignored,” says Shollei.

He says getting artistes of Rayvanny’s stature helped in talent identification while strengthening the institution’s celebration of culture and music.

“We were glad to host him. The opportunity was used to market talents, internationally,” the student President said.

Last December, Rayvanny was joined by Kenyan R&B star Otile Brown in a Mombasa concert which produced exhilarating performances and featured sensations such as "Kaskie Vibaya" hitmaker Ssaru as well as singer Lexil.

Eldoret National Polytechnic Chief Principal Charles Koech said Rayvanny’s performance at the institution was designed to promote and celebrate talent.

Dr Koech said the institution was rich in untapped music talent, and has previously competed to the top levels in national music festivals.

He said competency-based education and training emphasizes close collaboration with industry.

“Music is part of the industry. Under the new training system, our students are required to be in the classrooms 50 percent of the time and the remaining time in industry,” he says.

According to the Principal, talent identification and nurturing should be at the core of training. “Students should learn from those who are successful,” he added.

He says platforms such as the Rayvanny performances at the polytechnic encourage development of art aside from offering music talents opportunities to showcase talents and earn income.