The Permanent Presidential Music Commission (PPMC) has announced that the selection of artistes to perform during the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations is complete, warning that no amount of online lobbying will alter the list.
In a clarification issued on Monday, September 14, 2026, PPMC said it had noted a flurry of social media posts and campaigns calling for particular artistes to be added to the national programme.
Have artists who will perform during Mashujaa Day been selected?
The Commission said the auditions and selection process has been concluded, with every act assessed by the same panels against the same evaluation criteria.
“Every participant has been notified of the outcome by SMS,” PPMC stated.
PPMC further revealed that every artiste and group leader who registered received a confirmation message containing a personal access code. The code, the commission said, opens the PPMC Artist Portal at http://artist.ppmc.go.ke, where each participant, whether selected or not, can view their status and the marks awarded by the panel.
“Artistes who no longer have their codes have been advised to contact PPMC via info@ppmc.go.ke to have them re-sent,” the statement noted.
The Commission was emphatic that selection was determined by scores alone.
“No artiste needs a campaign, a petition or an intervention to earn a place on the national stage, and none will secure one that way,” PPMC said.
The statement comes against a backdrop of heated online debate around some of the songs and artistes shortlisted for the national fete which will be held in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County on October 20, 2026.
Did Jose Jose deserve to perform Mashujaa Day?
In Uasin Gishu, for instance, Kalenjin singer Jose Jose came under scrutiny after his song ‘Ndamakinyit‘ was listed among those to be performed during Mashujaa Day, with some social media users questioning the originality of the song.
PPMC, however, maintained that such debates would not influence the final lineup, noting that many fine artistes auditioned but could not be accommodated due to limited slots.
“The national programme carries a limited number of slots, and a short list reflects that limit rather than the talent in our counties,” the Commission said, thanking all artistes who participated.
Meanwhile, PPMC said it will release the full programme and official list of performers at the appropriate time.
