Thousands of Kenyans ushered 2009 at the All Star Unity Party held on 31st December 2008 at the SIFA Car Park in Nairobi (behind Kencom). Organized by veteran gospel DJ Kev (Kevin Musau) and his Mo Sound Entertainment as well as Hope FM, the event offered an array of the country's well known Gospel Artists, DJs, dance groups and comedians. The place was decked out with a huge stage and great lighting with a village of tents lined up all around the venue. Comedians Churchill,and Eric Omondi kept the crowd bursting with laughter all night long. Lena of Zaidi ya Mziki and Po-Q-pine served as MCs for the event.

Artists who performed included ever popular Zaidi ya Mziki, Jimmie Gait with his performance of his hit song Muhadhara easily becoming one of the highlights of the night, KiKi, SK Blue, Hey-Z, Esther Wahome, Ben Githae, Mbuvi, Kambua, Admiral Kilosh and Po-Q-pine. There were also a host of dance groups adding excitement and energy to the event. DJs Mo, Nevz, riQ and Dee among others also served up gospel hits guaranteeing no dead air throughout the event.

Comedian Churchill

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(pics by Gerald Anderson for KenyanGospel.com

Come the stoke of midnight and excitement reached fever pitch as fireworks painted the city's skies and only the pictures can give you an accurate desciption. Pastor Julian Kyula of the Purpose Center delivered The Word as the new year dawned. Come daybreak and it was not until the performances came to an end and the music was turned off that the huge gathering begun to slowly wane.

If there was ever any doubt that gospel music is big in Kenya, then the events on 31st December 2008 made a bold statement to the rest of the country. Literally. Not only was the All Star Unity Party broadcast live on National Television (by Nation's NTV) and also live on Hope FM, the Totally Sold Out Nairobi event was also broadcast live on Citizen TV (which was a last minute decision that even surprised the K-Krew since they hadn't planned it). Judging from the thousands who showed up to the two events with each person folking out 200 bob (so we doubt people showed up for both), we would say that the gospel scene is going to be huge this year. Even the main stream media admits it. Or are we counting the chicks before they hatch?