Gethsemane Melodies Choir

Formed during the Covid year 2021, Gethsemane Melodies Choir is an all-female choir, bringing together women, many of them farmers and of older age, from Mulinga and the surrounding villages. Although the group was founded in a church and still practices in it, the singers don’t see themselves as a mere church choir and more so as a keeper of regional musical heritage. Their repertoire mostly comes from church songs which touch upon biblical and spiritual themes and are sung in Luhya, Kiswahili and English. What makes Gethsemane Melodies Choir so special are their energetic and somewhat fragmented interpretations, as their chants fill the air with electricity, carried by the thumping percussion of their drums and the inyingo, a traditional clay pot instrument.
This energy has made Gethsemane Melodies Choir known beyond the boundaries of Mulinga village and as a group they have won over 50 trophies in both regional and national choir competitions. A true natural force coming to Music From East Africa! This album is part of Music From East Africa’s „Field Recordings from Western Kenya“ series.

Sopranos:
Mercy Agini
Laura Muronji
Magret Orira
Judith Yabui
Jacklene Khahandali
Mercy Igaba
Rebah Imungu

Altos:
Nancy Kageha
Ester Andenyi
Beatrice Ogada
Rose Godia
Susan Kareha
Ester Kanyangi
Magret Ngonera
Sisilia Fundi
Rena Imungu
Ruth Egosangwa
Ashaba Maureen
Grace Ayuma
Emily

Tenor:
Margret Amunza
Everlene Mideva
Solome Andisi
Abigael Midecha
Benard Fundi
Sabet Mudanya

Bases:
Bonface Moi
Evance Munavi
Alfred Nyunga

Choir Leader
Jasper K. Jumba

Drums, Percussion
Kelvin AginiRecorded by Max Doblhoff
Mixdown by Sidney Simila
Mastering by Mario Stadler (Goonmastering)
Cover Art & Video by Johannes Walter