‘Tibim’ singer releases new album

When Joseph Onyango Ochieng', also known as Onyi Jalamo, released his debut song "Raila Tibim", in praise of opposition leader Raila Odinga ahead of the last general election, it accorded him fame and fortune.

The ohangla singer has now released a new album titled "Jaluo Pod Pek". The album has seven songs.

In an interview with the Saturday Nation, Ochieng' said his new album focusses on the reconciliation efforts of President Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr Odinga.

“My new album is dedicated to efforts by our leaders to promote peace and reconciliation in the country after the heated electioneering period,” he said.

Some of the songs in the album include "Mula Mos", "Queen Nyakathomo", "Kogallo Gor Mahia", "Ugenya Dala" and "Silas Jakakimba".

Questions have arisen on how much Ochieng’ was paid for his Raila Tibim song that rocked airwaves in the country ahead of last year’s elections.

“My fans believe I was paid well for my debut song praising Raila Odinga and the Nasa coalition. Yes, I was paid, but not handsomely,” says Ochieng’.

After the release of the song, there were media reports that Ochieng’ pocketed Sh10 million from the Nasa coalition, a claim he refutes.

Recently, he met Mr Odinga in his Capitol Hill office in Nairobi with the help of Mr Odinga’s advisor Silas Jakakimba.

“I met Mr Odinga and discussed with him about my songs for him and his struggles,” said Ochieng’.

He blames political brokers who are close to opposition politicians for fleecing him a lot of money in political rallies and events he performed.

“I came to realise that I lost a lot of money through brokers who organised functions for the opposition politicians,” said Ochieng'.

Ochieng' no longer holds live shows and is concentrating on his new studio in Nairobi’s Dandora Phase 4, called Tibim Records.

“I want to promote my studio, which is my next frontier in music. I am happy because many upcoming artistes are recording here,” he says.

In his new songs, the singer says he has blended rumba and ohangla tunes to create a refreshing touch of both genres.

“I fused both rumba and ohangla because my fans, who are basically young, are restless and want fresh and new things all the time,” said Ochieng’.

Ochieng' says competition in Kenya’s entertainment circles is so stiff that musicians must craft ways of keeping their fans happy.

Because of his bid to transform his music, his band, Team Suag Musica, is set to increase its percussionists and instrumentalists from eight to 16.

“I want to expand my band because there is a lot to be done on instrumentals and vocals,” says Ochieng.

The 33-year-old musician was born in Kateg Jera in Ugenya, Siaya County.

He did his primary schooling in Ugenya before moving to Tanzania to further his studies where he learnt the art of music.