17th-18th June 2023
‘UJENZI’, an orchestral symphonic poem composed by Njane Mugambi, featured in the Nairobi Orchestra ‘Kenya at 60’ concert, 17th & 18th June 2023, Peponi House Hall, Nairobi, Kenya. The concert celebrates 60 years of Kenya’s self-rule.
Ujenzi is a Kiswahili word that means ‘the act of building or constructing’. The piece, premiered in 2013 to commemorate the 50th jubilee, juxtaposes the story of Kenya’s development as an independent nation (1963-2013) with the building of the railway that linking the Indian Ocean to Lake Victoria (1896-1901). The story of building the nation during its first 50 years is full of struggles and triumphs, much like the many tales told about the construction of the railway. Ujenzi is a musical reflection and celebration of these two stories.
The performance for the Kenya at 60 concert is a multimedia presentation with the orchestra’s live performance being accompanied by a screened archival photography project of the railway. The photographs are by the Dan Davids 2023 prize winner, Chao Taiyana, whose shared interest in the historical significance of the railway brought also her together with Njane Mugambi and Prof. Bettina Ngweno for the ‘Last dance in Kaloleni’ film project.
Ujenzi is a Kiswahili word that means ‘the act of building or constructing’. The piece, premiered in 2013 to commemorate the 50th jubilee, juxtaposes the story of Kenya’s development as an independent nation (1963-2013) with the building of the railway that linking the Indian Ocean to Lake Victoria (1896-1901). The story of building the nation during its first 50 years is full of struggles and triumphs, much like the many tales told about the construction of the railway. Ujenzi is a musical reflection and celebration of these two stories.
The performance for the Kenya at 60 concert is a multimedia presentation with the orchestra’s live performance being accompanied by a screened archival photography project of the railway. The photographs are by the Dan Davids 2023 prize winner, Chao Taiyana, whose shared interest in the historical significance of the railway brought also her together with Njane Mugambi and Prof. Bettina Ngweno for the ‘Last dance in Kaloleni’ film project.
7th-8th October 2021
It was exciting to be one of the participants at #NBOLitfest, a free, virtual literary festival curated by Book Bunk. Book Bunk has been leading the restoration of some of Nairobi's most iconic public libraries and turning them into spaces for art and cultural expression.
The NBO Litfest featured great conversations with writers and visionaries.
The NBO Litfest featured great conversations with writers and visionaries.
June 2021
Tuba Concerto was featured in the ‘Nairobi Orchestra Returns’ concert. 27th June, Kenya National Theatre, Nairobi, Kenya.
January 2020
Pumbumbum Peh!, a fanfare for brass and percussion, and Hifadhi, a symphonic poem on climate change, were performed during the Lausanne 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games, on 12th January 2020 at the Salle Metropole, as part of the cross cultural activities hosted by Jorge Viladoms and the Conservatoire de Lausanne. The European premieres for both compositions were conducted by Peter Evans with the Meadows Chamber Orchestra in November 2008 and May 2011 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
August 2019
Classics at the Coast tour on 15th, 16th & 18th August 2019. The Kenya Conservatoire of Music orchestra, conducted by Philip Maina played HIFADHI (symphonic band version).
July 2019
HIFADHI (symphonic band version) performed at the Classics in Nairobi concerts on 13th and 14th July 2019, at the Kenya National Theatre, Nairobi, KENYA. The Kenya Conservatoire of Music Orchestra was conducted by Philip Maina.
August 2018
The Kenya Conservatoire of Music orchestra played Pumbumbum Peh! as part of their ‘Classics at the Coast’ concerts on 15th, 16th & 17th August 2018, in Nyali, Malindi and Kilifi, during their Kenyan coast tour.
May 2018
Missa Amani- Mass for Peace Premiere on 26th & 27th May 2018, All Saint's Cathedral, Nairobi, KENYA.
Nairobi Music Society choir and Nairobi Orchestra conducted by Levi Wataka. Organ - Joe Davis Kabuba. Soloist - MaryOlive Mungai & Caleb Wachira.
Nairobi Music Society choir and Nairobi Orchestra conducted by Levi Wataka. Organ - Joe Davis Kabuba. Soloist - MaryOlive Mungai & Caleb Wachira.
December 2017
Teaser performances before full premiere of MISSA AMANI Mass for Peace later on in 2018. Performance of the first and last processional movements only ('The Greeting' and 'The Blessing')
Performances on 9th & 10th December 2017, All Saint's Cathedral, Nairobi, KENYA.
Nairobi Music Society choir and Nairobi Orchestra conducted by Duncan Wambugu.
Performances on 9th & 10th December 2017, All Saint's Cathedral, Nairobi, KENYA.
Nairobi Music Society choir and Nairobi Orchestra conducted by Duncan Wambugu.
October 2017
Commonwealth Resounds Gala Concert on 29th October 2017, The Mackinnon Suites hotel, Kampala, UGANDA.
The Kampala Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Kiggundu Musoke, featuring guest musicians from Chetham’s School of Music, United Kingdom.
The Kampala Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Kiggundu Musoke, featuring guest musicians from Chetham’s School of Music, United Kingdom.
June 2017
World premiere of the TUBA CONCERTO on 17th & 18th June 2017, Braeburn Theatre, Nairobi, KENYA.
Nairobi Orchestra with soloist Jenny Moore Wafula conducted by Duncan Wambugu.
Nairobi Orchestra with soloist Jenny Moore Wafula conducted by Duncan Wambugu.
December 2016
Christmas concert on 3rd & 4th December 2016, All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi, KENYA.
Nairobi Music Society choir conducted by Levi Wataka.
Nairobi Music Society choir conducted by Levi Wataka.
July 2016
National Youth Orchestra of Kenya fund raising concert on 3rd July 2016, Kenya National Theatre, Nairobi, KENYA.
March 2015
'Time is Now' short film video teaser premiered on 19th March 2015, Phoenix Theatre, Nairobi, KENYA. The short film video launch event with Bettina Ng'weno, Chao Taiyana and Njane Mugambi was a ‘save the railway’ project and a precursor for the full feature film ‘Last dance in Kaloleni’.
Music composed and recorded by Njane Mugambi. Guitars and voice performed by Manase Uzele. Short film directed by Dr. Bettina Ng’weno.
Music composed and recorded by Njane Mugambi. Guitars and voice performed by Manase Uzele. Short film directed by Dr. Bettina Ng’weno.
November 2013
World premiere VISION 50/50 song (Music by Njane Mugambi; Lyrics by June Budhooram)
‘Vision 50/50’ song for voice and piano written for the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2013, Warsaw, POLAND.
Performed on 19th November 2013 in Warsaw by singer Elizabeth Njoroge.
‘Vision 50/50’ song for voice and piano written for the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2013, Warsaw, POLAND.
Performed on 19th November 2013 in Warsaw by singer Elizabeth Njoroge.
June 2013
Ujenzi premiere on 15th & 16th June 2013, Braeburn Theatre, Nairobi, KENYA.
Nairobi Orchestra conducted by Duncan Wambugu.
Symphonic poem on the building of the East African Railway in the 1890s. Full Orchestral version premiered in June 2013 as a celebration of Kenya’s 50 years of independence.
Nairobi Orchestra conducted by Duncan Wambugu.
Symphonic poem on the building of the East African Railway in the 1890s. Full Orchestral version premiered in June 2013 as a celebration of Kenya’s 50 years of independence.
September 2011
JIJI Commissioned for the Lord Mayor of London City visit to Nairobi in September 2011. A short composition that links the cities of London and Nairobi through sound. 'Jiji' in Kiswahili translates to "large city".
Gareth MacLearnon, Abigail Burrows (flutes) & Satoko Fukuda (violin).
MARY TSIAMBIRE arr. Luhya folksong for voice, litungu (traditional luhya plucked lyre), 2 flutes, violin and percussion.
Mukasa Wafula (litungu lyre & voice) Gareth MacLearnon, Abigail Burrows (flutes) & Satoko Fukuda (violin).
Concordia Artists (UK) for Mayor of London visit, 10th September 2011, Braeburn Theatre, Nairobi, KENYA.
Gareth MacLearnon, Abigail Burrows (flutes) & Satoko Fukuda (violin).
MARY TSIAMBIRE arr. Luhya folksong for voice, litungu (traditional luhya plucked lyre), 2 flutes, violin and percussion.
Mukasa Wafula (litungu lyre & voice) Gareth MacLearnon, Abigail Burrows (flutes) & Satoko Fukuda (violin).
Concordia Artists (UK) for Mayor of London visit, 10th September 2011, Braeburn Theatre, Nairobi, KENYA.
May 2011
Hifadhi symphonic poem on climate change European premiere on 14th May 2011, Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh, SCOTLAND.
Meadows Chamber Orchestra conducted by Peter Evans.
Meadows Chamber Orchestra conducted by Peter Evans.
February 2011
NGOMA ZA NYUZI 1 - *Also known as NYIMBO ZA NYUZI 1.
The Bridge String Quartet (London, UK) 24th February 2011, Instituto Italiano di Cultura, Nairobi, KENYA.
“…A unique opportunity to hear this celebrated UK group in a unique recital, from Haydn and Puccini to Njane Mugambi…”.
The Bridge String Quartet (London, UK) 24th February 2011, Instituto Italiano di Cultura, Nairobi, KENYA.
“…A unique opportunity to hear this celebrated UK group in a unique recital, from Haydn and Puccini to Njane Mugambi…”.
November 2010
An extraordinary fusion of Kenyan and Czech music when Jiri Pavlica (of Hradistan Band) and Njane Mugambi came together with other musicians from both countries for a concerton 7th November 2010 at the Alliance Française gardens, Nairobi, KENYA.
“The Hradistan Band, an extraordinary musical ensemble, is one of the oldest and most famous Moravian bands (the region of Moravia occupies most of the Eastern part of the Czech Republic). It finds its inspiration from traditional folk art. The 2 band members, Jiri Pavlica, Violinist, Vocalist and Josef Fojta, Keyboards, Percussion, Vocals will perform with members of the Nairobi Orchestra: Njane Mugambi Clarinet/ Percussion/ Keyboards, Raymond Mutawali Marimba/ Drums, Mukasa Wafula Litungu/ Percussion and Victor Nzomo Keyboard/ Percussion. Expect an extraordinary fusion of Czech and Kenyan music!”.
“The Hradistan Band, an extraordinary musical ensemble, is one of the oldest and most famous Moravian bands (the region of Moravia occupies most of the Eastern part of the Czech Republic). It finds its inspiration from traditional folk art. The 2 band members, Jiri Pavlica, Violinist, Vocalist and Josef Fojta, Keyboards, Percussion, Vocals will perform with members of the Nairobi Orchestra: Njane Mugambi Clarinet/ Percussion/ Keyboards, Raymond Mutawali Marimba/ Drums, Mukasa Wafula Litungu/ Percussion and Victor Nzomo Keyboard/ Percussion. Expect an extraordinary fusion of Czech and Kenyan music!”.
March 2010
Hifadhi world premiere on 20th & 21st March 2010, Visa Oshwal Auditorium, Nairobi, KENYA. Nairobi Orchestra conducted by Peter Evans.
“Hifadhi …The title is a Kiswahili word that can be interpreted as –to preserve; to conserve; -to take care of…
The piece is an audio representation of the composer’s feelings about the environment. The music is an appreciation of the natural beauty and ‘richness’ of our environment, but is also a desperate expression of frustration at how we very often fail to conserve it. The main melody represents these contrasting feelings – beauty and sadness…
Hifadhi is also a musical protest at the contempt with which we treat our environment- how we destroy forest cover; how we fail to conserve rain water; how we often make conservation the business of others and not ourselves… This protest grows in intensity as the music gathers pace…”.
“Hifadhi …The title is a Kiswahili word that can be interpreted as –to preserve; to conserve; -to take care of…
The piece is an audio representation of the composer’s feelings about the environment. The music is an appreciation of the natural beauty and ‘richness’ of our environment, but is also a desperate expression of frustration at how we very often fail to conserve it. The main melody represents these contrasting feelings – beauty and sadness…
Hifadhi is also a musical protest at the contempt with which we treat our environment- how we destroy forest cover; how we fail to conserve rain water; how we often make conservation the business of others and not ourselves… This protest grows in intensity as the music gathers pace…”.
December 2009
'Lala mtoto' in Kiswahili translates to "sleep baby". A Christmas lullaby, 'sleep baby in a manger', in English and Kiswahili for choir, piano (organ) and timpani.
Premiere on 1st December 2009 by Peponi House Preparatory School and Peponi Secondary School choirs at Courtney Hall, Peponi House, Nairobi, KENYA. Conducted by Njane Mugambi.
Premiere on 1st December 2009 by Peponi House Preparatory School and Peponi Secondary School choirs at Courtney Hall, Peponi House, Nairobi, KENYA. Conducted by Njane Mugambi.
October 2009
Journey in Sound: 23rd October, Karachi, Pakistan.
Concerts in Kenya and Pakistan by Nizar Lalani (Pakistan) and Njane Mugambi (Kenya) leading a band made up of musicians from their respective countries to explore the way in which the Indian Ocean has brought different worlds together through music. An Aga Khan University Faculty of Arts and Science project under the World of the Indian Ocean conference.
Concerts in Kenya and Pakistan by Nizar Lalani (Pakistan) and Njane Mugambi (Kenya) leading a band made up of musicians from their respective countries to explore the way in which the Indian Ocean has brought different worlds together through music. An Aga Khan University Faculty of Arts and Science project under the World of the Indian Ocean conference.
February 2009
The Story of Musical Neighbours: 22nd February, Goethe-Institut, Nairobi, KENYA.
Concerts in Kenya and Pakistan by Nizar Lalani (Pakistan) and Njane Mugambi (Kenya) leading a band made up of musicians from their respective countries to explore the way in which the Indian Ocean has brought different worlds together through music. An Aga Khan University Faculty of Arts and Science project under the World of the Indian Ocean conference.
Concerts in Kenya and Pakistan by Nizar Lalani (Pakistan) and Njane Mugambi (Kenya) leading a band made up of musicians from their respective countries to explore the way in which the Indian Ocean has brought different worlds together through music. An Aga Khan University Faculty of Arts and Science project under the World of the Indian Ocean conference.
April 2009
Wrote the arrangements for orchestra and mass choir for renowned Kenyan singer Eric Wainaina’s Daima Kenya and Miili yetu songs for the inaugural Safaricom Classical fusion grand concert, 19th April 2009, Impala grounds, Nairobi, KENYA. Also performed Njane’s compositions Fikra fupi and led performances by the band Zikiya at the festival.
November 2008
Pumbumbum Peh! brass and percussion fanfare, European premiere on 30th November 2008, Queens Hall, Edinburgh, SCOTLAND.
Meadows Chamber Orchestra conducted by Peter Evans.
Meadows Chamber Orchestra conducted by Peter Evans.
June 2008
Kani world premiere on 14th & 15th June 2008, Visa Oshwal Auditorium, Nairobi, KENYA.
Nairobi Orchestra conducted by Njane Mugambi.
“The Kiswahili word Kani implies energetic and almost forceful insistence. The title embodies the way that a few rhythmic and melodic ‘grooves’ persistently recur. The piece is inspired by some of the rhythms from Luo music as well as the melodic structures of the various Kenyan traditional fiddles. Like in most of his other music, Njane does not aim to replicate Kenyan traditional music, rather, he uses the rich traditions as a palette for new creations…”.
Nairobi Orchestra conducted by Njane Mugambi.
“The Kiswahili word Kani implies energetic and almost forceful insistence. The title embodies the way that a few rhythmic and melodic ‘grooves’ persistently recur. The piece is inspired by some of the rhythms from Luo music as well as the melodic structures of the various Kenyan traditional fiddles. Like in most of his other music, Njane does not aim to replicate Kenyan traditional music, rather, he uses the rich traditions as a palette for new creations…”.
May 2008
Njane Mugambi conducts the Nairobi Orchestra conducted on 24th & 25th May 2008 for a performance of Debussy’s L’Aprés Midi d’un Faun.
The concert of miniatures was at the Visa Oshwal Auditorium, Nairobi, KENYA.
The concert of miniatures was at the Visa Oshwal Auditorium, Nairobi, KENYA.
April 2008
Making Kenya Traditional Music Funky.
Njane Mugambi leads Zikiya band to their 3rd concert at the Goethe Institut, Nairobi, KENYA. 6th April 2008. This follows successful concerts in 2003 and 2004.
Njane Mugambi leads Zikiya band to their 3rd concert at the Goethe Institut, Nairobi, KENYA. 6th April 2008. This follows successful concerts in 2003 and 2004.
November 2007
Making Kenya Traditional Music Funky.
Njane Mugambi leads Zikiya band to their 3rd concert at the Goethe Institut, Nairobi, KENYA. 6th April 2008. This follows successful concerts in 2003 and 2004.
Njane Mugambi leads Zikiya band to their 3rd concert at the Goethe Institut, Nairobi, KENYA. 6th April 2008. This follows successful concerts in 2003 and 2004.
March 2006
Kijani Kenya Festival opening concert on 2nd March 2006, at the All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi, KENYA.
POLE POLE ERO! for Wind Quartet and Cowbells – Inspired by the sound of maasai herding cattles. Cowbells on the animal’s necks clonk to the slow movement of the herd under the blazing sun…
UTU UZIMA (maturity) for oboe and piano - The 3rd movement from the Maisha Oboe Suite which is a composition that represents various stages of the human life cycle. ‘Utu Uzima’ depicts adulthood and maturity. An insistent motif shows the repetitive routine and chores that make up adult life…
FIKRA FUPI (short thought) for clarinet, piano and kayamba (traditional percussion rattle) – written one evening to make use of two multi-instrumentalists in our Zikiya Band. It combines orchestral instruments with the ‘kayamba’ rattle from the coastal region of Kenya. It also combines through composed elements with improvisation…
POLE POLE ERO! for Wind Quartet and Cowbells – Inspired by the sound of maasai herding cattles. Cowbells on the animal’s necks clonk to the slow movement of the herd under the blazing sun…
UTU UZIMA (maturity) for oboe and piano - The 3rd movement from the Maisha Oboe Suite which is a composition that represents various stages of the human life cycle. ‘Utu Uzima’ depicts adulthood and maturity. An insistent motif shows the repetitive routine and chores that make up adult life…
FIKRA FUPI (short thought) for clarinet, piano and kayamba (traditional percussion rattle) – written one evening to make use of two multi-instrumentalists in our Zikiya Band. It combines orchestral instruments with the ‘kayamba’ rattle from the coastal region of Kenya. It also combines through composed elements with improvisation…
November 2001
Njane Mugambi conducts the Nairobi Orchestra playing Debussy’s L’Aprés Midi d’un Faun and Mozart’s Flute Concerto in D major KV.314 –soloist Pamela Pecko.
10th November 2001 at Braeburn Theatre, Nairobi, KENYA.
11th November 2001 at ISK Arts Centre, Nairobi, KENYA.
10th November 2001 at Braeburn Theatre, Nairobi, KENYA.
11th November 2001 at ISK Arts Centre, Nairobi, KENYA.
May 2001
May 2001, Nairobi Orchestra & Maxwell Academy symphony band concert. Kenton College, Roger Owles hall, Nairobi, KENYA.
Soloist- Trevor Walshaw; Piano- Rachel Guy. Only the last movement ‘oboe-lezo’ was performed at the concert.
Maisha in Kiswahili means life. The oboe suite is a four movement work that represents various stages of the human cycle. The composition was dedicated to Trevor Walshaw.
Movement 1 – Michezo (games) represents childhood
Movement 2 – Makimbizi (a misappropriation of the Kiswahili word for ‘running’) represents youthful young adulthood energy.
Movement 3 – Utu uzima (maturity) represents mature settled adult life.
Movement 4 – Oboe-lezo (a play with of the Kiswahili ‘ombolezo’ which means mourning) a dirge or mourning melody representing the end of life.
Soloist- Trevor Walshaw; Piano- Rachel Guy. Only the last movement ‘oboe-lezo’ was performed at the concert.
Maisha in Kiswahili means life. The oboe suite is a four movement work that represents various stages of the human cycle. The composition was dedicated to Trevor Walshaw.
Movement 1 – Michezo (games) represents childhood
Movement 2 – Makimbizi (a misappropriation of the Kiswahili word for ‘running’) represents youthful young adulthood energy.
Movement 3 – Utu uzima (maturity) represents mature settled adult life.
Movement 4 – Oboe-lezo (a play with of the Kiswahili ‘ombolezo’ which means mourning) a dirge or mourning melody representing the end of life.