Nakuru band successfully combines comedy, music in Open-mic sessions
Members of the Tamasha Band Nakuru after a performance at Labelle Hotel. Photo/JOYCE NJERI
What you need to know:
- The band, which consists of seven members who are aged between 20 and 22, has become a favourite in the local bars and major hotels in the area.
- The seven man band has been able to incorporate what few have ventured into: comedy and music.
- The act is led by vocalist and comedian Herman Kago.
Timothy Mokaya, a teacher, music trainer and founder of Virtnoso House of Music, started the Tamasha band because he did not want the skills he had imparted on his students to go to waste.
From humble beginnings in 2011, Tamasha Band has become one of the leading bands in Nakuru and its environs.
The band, which consists of seven members who are aged between 20 and 22, has become a favourite in the local bars and major hotels in the area.
INCORPORATES COMEDY AND MUSIC
The seven man band has been able to incorporate what few have ventured into: comedy and music.
The band, however, is more famous for their Wednesday “rush hour show” that takes place at the Nakuru Player’s theatre where different people come to showcase their talents.
The shows attract an audience of between 400 to 1000 youths every week.
The gig is open to anyone who is willing to have his music career or his comedy skill nurtured.
The act is led by vocalist and comedian Herman Kago.
“Comedy is part of me and I find it more fun to make people dance and laugh at the same time. I feel that I have both as my natural talent and the mere fact that I hold the microphone and make people laugh is my greatest pleasure,” said Kago.
He is backed by band-mate Faith Mwende, who is also a lead vocalist.
Other members of the band include Antony Njagi, (basist) Robert Riziki (drummer) Robert Mwambonu (vocalists and Gideon Musyoka (keyboard).
Their music style ranges from reggae, raga, and slow music, local and traditional music as per the audience demand.
They then give the microphone to any person who intends to build his career in the arts field
The Rush Hour, which takes only one hour, leaves many of the audience asking for more.
“We are never able to satisfy the demand of the audience. Nakuru town has great talent but unfortunately nurturing them is too expensive. In some cases, parents choose to neglect the talent of their children, dismissing it as a waste of time. However, the Rush Hour ensures that the said youths get a sense of belonging,” said Musyoka
The band also performs at weddings and corporate functions.
