Panafrican News Agency - December 3, 2001
The day, marked world-wide on every 1 December since its start 1998, turned into a day of entertainment and family funs as parents, accompanied by their children, youth, street children and NGOs, government officials, straddled, danced and shared in the struggle against the dreaded disease.
The event, organised by the official National Aids Control Council (NACC), attracted 12 musicians, two dance troupes and four comedy groups, all aspiring to make their act rhyme with the day's theme.
"When I dance, I feel relieved and human, and I feel I am part of this community. This is great since it makes people meet, enjoy and at the same time learn about AIDS," said Jane Akinyi, 28, who works as a secretary in an industrial plant.
Unlike last year when the event was characterised by long speeches, and testimony by people affected or living with HIV/AIDS, the mundane aspect was lit up by the act of fun, mirth, melodies and lessons that crowds could sample with ease, said Raga Mambo, the NACC public relations officer.
By late morning, the 35,000 capacity stadium was awash with humanity as local sensation Mighty King Kong belted out his Achuth (vulture) song. The song is a warning to men to be wary of beautiful women who would abandon them after fleecing them dry and infecting them with HIV/AIDS.
It was a sure change of tact this time, remarked Casper Mwahima, music fan who grabbed the first opportunity to attend the fete after hearing the announcement over the radio that entrance to the venue would be free.
Apart from the secular singers who seemed to have grabbed the day, gospel singer Mary Atieno made her point with her very soul-searching numbers.
According to Mambo, the use of music to spread the gospel against AIDS, is becoming very popular in Kenya.
He attributed the large turnout to the presence of the highly regarded musicians and the continuous radio and television announcements that invited the public to the stadium for a "free entertainment day".
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