In commemoration of its 40th Jubilee, the Hekima University College Choir launched an Audio CD comprising eleven songs in various languages, representing the diversity of African cultures found at the institution. The launch of the audio CD took place on 26th April 2024 at the closing ceremony of the 40th Academic Year and HUC@40 celebrations.
Speaking during the event, the college registrar Rev. Dr. George Macharia SJ pointed out that a key component of the activities of the HUC@40 has been a way of renewing the way we worship thus the production of an Audio CD in commemoration of HUC@40.
Speaking at the launch of the CD, HUC Choir Master, Deacon Asifiwe Vughotse Janvier SJ said that the theme of the CD, which is composed of eleven songs in different languages, is Unity in Diversity. “Through this CD of HUC@40, one is invited to make an imaginary journey from the West to the East of Africa, to the Central, and finally to the South of Africa,” Deacon Asifiwe said, adding that the songs contained in the CD are hymns of praise to God for the numerous graces received during the 40 years of existence of HUC.
“Most of the songs are known and familiar to us, but their originality resides in the harmonization and creativity with which the HUC Choir sang them.”
The songs are available on a flash drive and are being sold at a cost of Kshs. 2000/= to promote the college. The songs will also be uploaded on the Hekima YouTube channel in phases every week.
Deacon Asifiwe thanked individuals who made the project a reality. These included HUC Principal, Rev. Dr. Marcel Uwineza SJ, who he said supported and encouraged them in many ways. He also thanked the Philippine Community in Kenya who financially supported the production of the audio CD. On behalf of the choir members, Deacon Asifiwe also thanked the priests who were part of the team and who journeyed with them throughout the preparations and recording of the songs, not just as spectators but as participants in all aspects of the music production. These included Rev. Dr. Stephen Eyeowa SJ who also composed one of the songs, the Hekima Anthem, and Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Banda SJ. Finally, he thanked all the Choir members for their dedication, commitment, and sacrifices to make the dream of recording an audio CD a reality.
By Pamela Adinda