Brad Paisley and Howard Gospel Choir to provide entertainment at state dinner, spotlighting US-Kenya relations
The decision to invite Brad Paisley and the Howard Gospel Choir to perform at the State Dinner is a tribute to the guests' fondness for country and gospel music, according to the First Lady's office.
"Renowned composer and singer Brad Paisley and the esteemed Howard Gospel Choir were picked by the First Lady for their musical performances at the State Dinner," the office of the First Lady announced to CNN.
The announcement added, "Brad Paisley and the Howard Gospel Choir were picked by Dr. Biden to pay homage to President and Mrs. Ruto's love for country and gospel music and to celebrate the lasting connection between the United States and Kenya."
A state visit is one of the most powerful diplomatic measures a White House can use to honor a significant ally, with the intricately organized event designed to blend and highlight the cultures of both countries as Biden looks to stress the strong bond between the two nations.
This visit will be the first time an American president has welcomed an African leader for a state dinner since February 2008, when President George W. Bush welcomed the president of Ghana.
Biden, who vowed to visit the African continent "soon" in 2022, has yet to fulfill that commitment. However, he has emphasized the importance of cooperation with Africa and is aiming to establish relationships with a number of key leaders to counter Russia and China's encroachment on the continent. Jill Biden traveled to Namibia and Kenya in February 2023.
The Grammy-winning Paisley has previously performed at a black-tie dinner for bipartisan governors at the White House and even joined Jill Biden for a visit to a Covid-19 vaccination site in Nashville in June 2021.
Paisley has performed at the White House before, in 2009 during the Obama administration, as part of a music series. He shared his experience of singing the song "Welcome to the Future" in front of then-President Barack Obama, noting that the final verse was about a teenager in high school experiencing difficulties and being Black, with a cross burned in his yard for asking out the homecoming queen. The chorus line, "Wake up Martin Luther, welcome to the future," refers to the civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.
He described this moment as "one of the most artistically fulfilling experiences I've ever had" as he could deliver that message to someone who helped bring about the new era.
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Source: edition.cnn.com
