Return of songbird Sali whom Suzanna Owiyo once backed up

Does the name Sali Oyugi ring a bell? The Link Press describes her as “a Kenyan gospel singer/songwriter and social activist with a dual heritage from Kenya and Tanzania.

As a young girl, Sali cherished her dual cultural heritage and took time to study the traditional rhythms, songs and dances from both the Luo people of Kenya and the Zigua people of Tanzania. The result has been the beautiful rhythms and sounds Sali brings forth in her guitar playing and vocals during her performances”.

If that isn’t enough, then it suffices to mention that songbird Suzanna Owiyo was her backup vocalist before Owiyo launched her solo career.

Perhaps you do not know Sali because, from 1997, she has been globe-trotting, which included living in America for over a decade. She has now returned with a dream to fulfil.

“The French Cultural Centre helped me grow,” she recalls. “That was where I honed my vocal skills. I want to reciprocate by giving back to the less privileged.”

Sali also worked with Suzanne Gachukia (one of the trio who founded Zana Ziki), Achieng Abura, Pete Odera, Ted Josiah, and The Pressmen Band. In 1997, she went to Britain and performed at the Solar Energy Convention. She then found her way to the US, where the Link Press reports she “has, indeed, made her presence felt in the New England area where she played at the Somerville Theatre, curtain raising for acclaimed world music performer/composer Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi”.

Sali says that the US opened her eyes to the opportunities that exist for East African music and culture.

WENT TO US TO FURTHER CAREER

“I went to the US to learn and further my career”, she says. “I enrolled at the Berklee College of Music (Eric Wainaina came after I had left). I also trained as a paralegal at the North Eastern University. I curtain-raised for Samba Mapangala, and interacted with numerous international African artistes, including Baba Maal and Youssou N’Dour”.

This year, the singer founded Leko Arts Initiative, a community-centred effort based in Nairobi’s Dandora area. The initiative comprises around 100 pupils from St Benedict’s Community Centre, who train in  the Phase V Hall. Professional trainers guide the pupils on music, dance, and acrobatics.  

“I chose Dandora because slums are culturally rich. I have found children performing traditional music. And yet, sadly, most art centres in Nairobi are found in the up-market areas where such children cannot access,” says the singer.

The artiste has also incorporated Olith Ratego, the well-known Nyatiti/Kodo player popular for his “Dodo-Blues” genre. A few months ago, Olith produced a single in collaboration with Chinese singer Sitara.

“Leko started small,” observed Joseph Mwanzia. And Robinson Owino, the other trainer, added: “But the children take it very seriously.”

Ms Diana Jomo, the director of St Benedict’s Community Centre, says that the project has helped the children to know themselves. “The pupils have identified their potential.”

When Sali finally enters the Phoenix Players Theatre on April 22, it is Olith Ratego and the children who will curtain-raise for her. That will be the first of what the gospel artiste has themed the “Footprints Concert Series”, a marathon of performances showcasing East African cultural music.

She will be showcasing rhythms such as Mdumange and Machindi from Tanzania, Benga and Dodo from Kenya, and a few beats from Uganda and other neighbouring countries.

Sali says Kenyan music is on the right track.