NAIROBI - Kirk Franklin rocked Nairobi and his anticipation was rife despite his team being caught up in riots in Kampala. Headlining the Mavuno Spread the Love Festival on Saturday 12th September 2009, the highest selling artist in Gospel music history arrived to a warm reception for the charity event at the Carnivore Gardens in Nairobi that was also broadcast nationally live on Citizen TV.

Since the event was marketed as a Festival, there was a wide variety of Gospel acts from the largely established to the up-and-coming. Kick off time was slightly after 11am and started with a music mix by K-Krew DJs Moz and Johnny Celeb. Performances were swift and entertaining with Saintz billed first with their well choregraphed dance moves.

Juliani in action

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The crowd congregated in the numerous tents sheltering from the midday sun as they enjoyed performances from VUC, Eunice Njeri, Mission Driven, rock band UETA, Ramasilah, Harvest Church International Choir, poet Number 8 (Dann Mwangi), Rachel the group, New Move feat Kera, K-tatu, Allan Aaron, dancers 3:16, Linda, Esther Wahome and Chit Chat. Representing East Africa was Izzo (Limit X), Ham K and Exodus from Uganda as well as Ben from Congo.

Section of the crowd

Rufftone made a return to the big stage and as characteristic of his performances, mingled with the audience as they helped him sing his songs. Kanjii, who was the MC of the day, did a good job in keeping the flow of the programme consistent. Every hour, the crowd kept swelling up and by the time Juliani was doing his set, the place was packed. It did not matter that most had folked out Kshs1000 to have a piece of the action live and not infront of a TV set. TV personality Jeff Koinange also had a chance on the mic as did several other event organizers.

When Kirk Franklin hit the stage, the crowd went into a frenzy. Starting with his collabo with Papa San called Awesome God, he was backed by his band and background singers. He dropped most of his hits including September, Brighter Day, Revolution, Stomp, Imagine Me as well as new jams from his Fight Of My Life album. He also led everyone in some worship as he continued into his mellow songs. When he was done with his set, we counted about 18 songs that he had performed and the charged up crowd was still asking for more.

Kirk Franklin shows some moves

The party did not stop there. M.O.G could easily claim that Kirk actually opened up for them (sic) as they were next on stage. Jimmy Gait, Holy Dave and Eko Dydda followed giving way to the hosts Mavuno Worship Team who closed out the festival.

Proceeds of the event will benefit select Kenyan prisons where they will go towards purchase of beds and beddings. In 2007, the Mavuno Worship Team held a series of concerts in the USA proceeds of which went to purchasing beds for Nairobi West Prisons. Mavuno Church hopes to have the festival annually in September as they promise to make it bigger and better. Check out hundreds of pics including backstage access and get a feel of what went down.

View hundreds of pics and backstage access at Mavuno Fest 2009
Check out recap and pics of Kirk Franklin's maiden visit to Kenya - October 2007
Check out story and video blog of Kirk Franklin in Uganda - September 2009
Check out pics of Mavuno's US tour 2007
Check out recap and pics of Mavuno Church concert and distribution of beds to Nairobi West Prison

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