Kenya's Sanaipei Tande performs at Intervision concert in Russia

The glitzy event featured contestants from 21 countries across BRICS, CIS, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and even the U.S., each performing music themed around love, unity, and homeland pride.

Organizers of Intervision describe the contest as more than just a stage show — it’s about sharing cultures and traditions. “Our goal is to create strong connections and new musical traditions,” said Russian producer Igor Matvienko, a member of the international jury.

Despite putting up a brave fight, and performing a beautiful rendition of her own song 'Flavour', Kenya still fell a little down on the list of the finalists - appearing at Number 18 out of 21 countries which participated. 

After a staggering display of explosive talent and ear-shattering vocals, Vietnam was crowned the winner of the Intervision 2025 Song contest in the early hours of Sunday morning. 

Shown live on Russian TV and broadcast across parts of Asia, Africa, South America and Europe, Intervision was held at an arena outside Moscow with singers hailing from more than 20 countries accounting for 4 billion people, half the world's population, including China, India and Brazil.

Vietnam's Duc Phuc, whose song was based on a folktale about a king famous for repelling an enemy army, was crowned the strongest act by a jury made up of participating countries.

His reward for strong vocals and a slickly-produced performance featuring pyrotechnics was a cash prize of 30 million roubles (Ksh. 46 million) and a trophy.

Kyrgyzstan was awarded second place with Qatar third.

Russia's entrant - ultranationalist singer "Shaman", whose real name is Yaroslav Dronov - asked the jury to disregard his performance due to Moscow being the host. 

The organisers said that Saudi Arabia had agreed to host the contest next year.

The judging panel, made up of industry experts from all participating countries, scored contestants on vocals, stage presence, and cultural expression. To keep things fair, jurors are not allowed to vote for their own country’s artist. 

At Number 18, Kenya only managed to beat Ethiopia, Egypt and Brazil. 

After being banned from the more popular and globally-accepted 'Eurovision', Russia decided to host its own version of the iconic music showcase - minus the sequinned bodysuits, camp theatrics and Europop bangers.

Instead, the Kremlin’s version of the spectacle promised “traditional values”, patriotic ballads and a Russian entry led by a fiercely pro-war singer, as Moscow attempts to refashion Europe’s glitter-soaked pageant in its own image.

The show was hosted by the Chinese showman Lay (real name Meng Lei) and the Indian actor Stefy Patel, billed as the contest’s “international pair” of presenters.

"The quality is high … The main thing for us is that they bring with them their culture, a sense of life and spiritual traditions. This has succeeded,” said Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov.

For many Kenyans, Sanaipei - or simply Sanaa - needs no introduction. She shot to fame back in 2004 after winning the East Africa Coca-Cola Popstars Talent Search, which birthed the short-lived but iconic group Sema. 

Their hit-filled debut album Mwewe cemented her as one of East Africa’s most promising stars.

For Sanaipei, this is yet another chapter in a two-decade career that has seen her juggle music, acting, club hosting and broadcasting.

Her participation in Intervision also saw her visit Ambassador Peter Mathuki, the Kenyan envoy to Russia, with whom she had meetings and lunch alongside the Kenyan delegation.