Malkeeya is Kenya’s Hope of Retaining the Old Mutual Amazing Voices National Crown

Malkeeya’s goal for Amazing Voices is not only to secure the $100,000 and continental fame, or to follow in the footsteps of their compatriots, Wanavokali, the mega-talented RnB group who won the inaugural Amazing Voices, but it is also a response to the Kenya government’s call for all stakeholders to do their part to uplift national morale during these unprecedented Covid-19 times.  

Malkeeya decided that even though they had only been together as a group for three months, they should challenge themselves and contribute to national pride by entering the Old Mutual Amazing Voices Season 2. 

The road to their first spectacular performance was certainly not easy. The bar was set very high, especially because they also had to perform a song that has been performed previously by one of the judges.  This song choice could have easily sent them home, but they owned their rendition of Ammara Brown’s Akiliz, and lived to perform another day.  

In addition to vocal abilities, the remaining groups from across Zimbabwe, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya are judged on their stage presence, audience interaction, and showmanship.   

Although Vipaji may have been eliminated in their first major competition, there is undoubtedly a future for the group who hail from Lower Kabete, outside Nairobi in Kenya. The group was formed when the friends started singing in church together. 

They decided to enter Old Mutual Amazing Voices after seeing the Instagram post inviting acapella groups to showcase their talents via an online entry and enter the competition.  They jumped at the chance to take their careers to the next level and were one of two groups per country who were selected to advance to the bootcamp phase in South Africa.  

The group admits that they were initially emotional and overwhelmed as they explored the expectations and demands of this competition. They are also grateful for what they have learnt, especially being able to perform with a live band in front of cameras with such a massive production and Pan-African top talent. Although they have been eliminated, they appreciate the experience gained through practical musical and financial advice, that will hold them in good stead as they advance their careers.  

For more details on Kenya’s remaining hope in this competition and to find out how Old Mutual uses the universal power of music to connect and enable positive futures, tune into Maisha Magic at 18:00 (EAT) every Sunday.  

Alternatively, follow Old Mutual’s social media platforms using #AmazingVoicesAfrica or go to their website to read more amazing stories about the Amazing Voices Season 2 contestants, production, crew and all the great experiences this show is producing.