Professor Mellitus Nyongesa Wanyama, is a holder of PhD in Ethnomusicology from University of Pretoria, South Africa. He is a Professor of Musicology and Ethnomusicology. He also holds BA and Master of Philosophy in Creative Arts and Linguistics from Moi University, Diploma in Music Education from Kisii College (Now Kisii University) and Certificate in Education (P1) from Mosoriot Teacher’s College.

On 12th December 2013, he was awarded Head of State Commendation (HSC) award, by H.E. The Fourth President of Kenya, Hon. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, at State House Nairobi, for exemplary service in Education, Research Culture and Musical Arts Education in Kenya, Africa and beyond.

Until his appointment as the Founding Dean, School of Music and Performing Arts at Kabarak University, he was the Head and founder of Music Studies at Moi University, Eldoret. He was also the Music Director at the same University.

He is a music educator, composer, arranger, choral trainer, dance choreographer and adjudicator of music and dance. For 26 years, he has taught music and dance at primary, secondary school and University levels. So far, he has published 36 articles in peer-reviewed and refereed journals and book chapters. He has also authored 3 research-based books in his area of specialization. Currently, he is authoring 5 books in which he is documenting his 80 music compositions and arrangements which he has composed since 1989.

In February 2014, he was appointed by His Excellency President Moi, Chancellor Kabarak University to chair the panel of music education experts to develop Kabarak University School of Music and performing arts curriculum.