Owiyo going back to roots

Benga songbird Suzanna Owiyo is launching her third album, Roots, at the Carnivore in Nairobi on Wednesday.

Owiyo, who shot to fame with the Kisumu 100 hit song during the Kisumu centenary celebrations in 2001, has grown from strength to strength in the past decade, becoming a globally celebrated musician.

“My expectations are very high,” she told Lifestyle of the performance of Roots in the market.

The musician has been travelling around Europe promoting the album accompanied by Youssou N’Dour, the legendary 2005 Grammy award winner from Senegal. They visited 11 countries.

Her vocal range, powerful voice and lyrics with a touch of her native Luo language have made Owiyo one of the most respected female artistes in Kenya and beyond.

She released her last song in 2006. “I know that it was a long time but I have spent that much preparing for this album,” she said.

“Roots is very special to me as I will be using a percentage of the returns from album sales and stage performances to supporting girls in secondary schools.”

Owiyo is involved in the Divas of the Nile foundation that brings together Mercy Myra, Achieng’ Abura, Princess Julie and herself in support of needy girls.

At the launch, several African musicians, including Zimbabwe’s Oliver Mtukudzi, and Kenyans Jua Cali and Makadem, will perform.

Some of the songs in the album are collaborations with Mtukudzi, Jua Cali and Makadem. Tusker Project Fame finalist Steve Nyabwa will also perform.

An ardent nyatiti player, Owiyo beat a host of African artistes to clinch the single berth reserved for a female African artiste to perform at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in 2004.

She performed the song Imagine with Patti Labelle, Baaba Maal, Cyndi Lauper, Andrea Bocelli and Chris Botti.

She describes her album as a journey. “Let me take you on a journey to my roots,” she says.
It was a taboo for women to play the nyatiti. She was only convinced to try it after watching a Japanese woman on local TV playing the instrument.

The 12-track Roots has songs that address social issues such corruption, alcohol abuse, violence against women and good leadership.

Born in Nyakach, near Kisumu, Owiyo was introduced to music by her grandfather, a prolific nyatiti player.

Her first album, won her a nomination in the Kora Music Awards 2002.