Kenyan member brings home Whiffenp**fs, world’s oldest acapella group

The 2023 cohort of the world’s oldest acapella group, the Yale Whiffenpoofs, is now ready to control the stage in Nairobi.

Led by Kenyan Waruguru Kibuga, the team is set for its main performance tomorrow at Sarit Expo Centre, in Westlands.

The singing group is on a mission to visit and perform in over 17 countries this year, and Kenya is lucky to be one of the countries, especially with Waruguru being the first Kenyan woman to be a member of the Whiffs since 2018 when the group started admitting women.

So far, the group has performed in seven countries, including Colombia, Brazil, London, France, Norway, Sweden and Kenya.

“Please come through on Saturday 7 pm at the Sarit Expo Centre. I’m really happy to show Kenyans what I’ve been doing. Music is such an important part of my life and an important part of my family and I’d love to share that with Kenyans,” Waruguru rallied Kenyans.

After landing in the country on Tuesday, the 14-member team embarked on a jaunt starting with a visit to the famous Karunguru Coffee Farm on Wednesday. They later performed at Peponi School in Nairobi.
Yesterday, the singers travelled to Tsavo National Park at the Coast ahead of their private performance set for Muthaiga Golf Club today.

On Saturday, doors will open at 7 pm for Kenyans to enjoy the thrilling songs by the group at Sarit Centre’s Arabuko Hall, an event whose tickets are traded at Sh3,000 (VIP), Sh1,500 (regular) and Sh1,000 (student/child).

The Whiffs are expected to go all out to showcase to the younger generation what music and creative talents can do.

Waruguru, who is also the Whiffs’ Assistant Business Manager, is honoured to be part of the team and for bringing her colleagues home.

“Having the opportunity to bring the Whiffenpoofs home makes me look back at the countless hours of practice, weekly lessons and innumerable performances as the most incredible blessing. I cannot thank the people who encouraged, supported and rooted for me enough. At school and at home, I was not only able to realize my academic potential but I was given the chance to pursue any interest or passion that I had.

“This year, I have had the opportunity to perform for heads of State, sing in breathtaking concert halls and travel the world in the most unique way. After visiting all of these incredible places, I am now more than excited to finally bring the Whiffenpoofs home to Kenya,” she said.

Founded in 1909, the Whiffenpoofs are the world’s oldest and most storied collegiate a cappella group. Each year, 14 seniors take leave from being students at Yale University and commit a year to travelling the world and touring as professional musicians.