Where the beat is in the blood

Kakamega has produced some of the country’s most talented musicians.

The list of its singers reads like a Who’s Who of Kenyan music, and is a blend of the new and old.

Indeed, the exploits of some of the greatest musicians ever to grace the national stage is an enviable addition to the cultural legacy of Kakamega.

Outstanding names include Jacob Luseno, Sukuma bin Ongaro and Isaya Mwinamo, the kingpins of Kenyan music in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. 

Luseno will be remembered by many particularly for the Mukangala song which became  a big hit just before his death in 2006.

He is also known for some of his earlier songs like Khaseveve, Jane Wanje, Makuru, Cecilia and Injete.

Veteran singer Getrude Muendo, one of the leading women musicians from Kakamega, has been a leading member of Luseno’s Phonotex Success Band.

Getrude said recently, “Music is in my blood... I have been singing since the 60’s and I hope to continue’’.

She has been collaborating with younger musicians, popularising Phonotex Success Band. Others who have done well with Phonotex include Ruth Lutenyi, Julius Itenya and Sammy Ingosi.

Also to draw attention in the 1960s to the musical ability of the Luhya of Kakamega was an immensely talented railway worker, George Mukabi, who arrived on the scene with a bang, recording a string of what have become classics particularly with his mastery of the box guitar.

They include Mtoto si Nguo and Sengula Nakupenda.  His musical career ended tragically, when he was murdered. His son Mukabi Junior reworked some of his songs.

Another notable musician from Kakamega was veteran Isaya Mwinamo who is remembered for songs like Lipa Kodi ya City Council,Ukosefu wa Kazi and the ever popular Julieta uko wapi?

Mwinamo, who died in January 2005, was also a distinguished producer whose son Mwinamo Junior is still actively involved in music.

Others from the older generation of musicians from Kakamega include John Wijenje, Fanuel Amimo of the Butere Jazz Band, Peter Kombo Omwana wa Ndyebo, Yuda Mukabana of Malava Stars and Watayi Mutanyi.

A discussion of the finest musicians from Kakamega cannot be complete without mention of many other fine artistes.

They include David Amunga, who was a great composer, guitarist and singer. Amunga also contributed to building the repertoire of Kenyan music through his work for many years as a music producer and front runner in seeking royalties for musicians.

One of his most notable  songs  is Journey from America to Africa  and Jane is Pretty. But perhaps one of the most enduring sounds from Kakamega is that of Sukuma bin Ongaro, who perfected the Omutibo Beat”.

Suku, as he is fondly referred to by his hordes of fans, made numerous recordings.