Emmanuel Mwendwa
Military outfit Maroon Commandos is perhaps one of Kenya’s most popular bands. The group is known for its engaging live performances, blending rumba, benga and a fusion of various sounds. Their songs revolve around captivating vocal harmonies ‘wrapped up’ with catchy rhythm, solo or bass guitars riffs.
For over three decades, the band has undergone successive personnel changes. These have not derailed its quest to earn credence for the unique ability to perform a mix of original and cover versions.
Lead vocalist Diwani Nzaro is considered a multi-talented singer, endowed with an impressive vocals range. But this evening (Friday), Nzaro is expected to break ranks with his Maroon colleagues as he launches his debut 12-track CD, Nihendedze, at the Alliance FranÁaise gardens, Nairobi.
Apart from the title track, it also includes, Hamtaweza, Msiwabake, Thio Moho, Bwana Diwani, Uyamudzini, Mke Mwenza, Karembo, Lamukani, Ukaha, Maisha Mafupi and Dama.
The CD, released under Sound Africa label, takes listeners down an indigenous, cultural lane. Nzaro taps deep into the traditional Giriama rhythms from the Coast.
"As a key pillar within the Mijikenda tribes, our community has been steadfast, and withstood influence of modernity driven by urbanisation on the premise of preserving our rich heritage through music and folklore," says Nzaro.
Kaya influence
His concert tonight will, for instance, showcase a rare cultural dance, fast becoming extinct, known as kinyago or vinyago.
"This is an ancient era forest dwellers traditional dance ceremony. It ideally entailed making use of different animal-like muppets and is traced back to foundation of the Kaya forests, a core component of the Mijikenda community", explains Nzaro.
For tonight’s event, the musician has created a makeshift giraffe kinyago muppet, whose procession will snake through several city streets accompanied by drumming and percussive elements, winding up at the concert’s venue.
"Traditionally, this unique animal dance is supposed to be performed strictly at night, not during the day. One of the songs in the CD, Ukaha, is done with beats similar to the dance rhythms but we will also use rare gourd shakers known as kititi to retain some semblance of authenticity,"adds the singer.
The song’s lyrics boldly take on the thorny issue of idleness, known to be rampant among coastal youths. Nzaro says: "It’s a reprimand against laziness."
He concedes to having been inspired to compose his own cultural songs, aesthetically different from his regular stint with Maroon. Nzaro says he grew up in surrounded by traditional rhythms.
"In our family, culturally-rooted music was and is still a way of life. I’m determined to step into the shoes of my father Diwani Lewa, who is a legendary performer among the Giriama community," he says.
Early exposure
Indeed, Nzaro was practically weaned and exposed to music during childhood. He would regularly sneak from home to attend numerous traditional ceremonies, drawn by his father’s performance prowess.
Nzaro would also participate in singing games, and annual school music festivals. By the age of 14, the budding singer had gleaned immense hands-on skills. His first encounter with professional music bands came knocking when he strayed into a Malindi club in the late 1990s, where resident band, Magazines, was performing.
A few weeks later, Nzaro mustered enough courage to approach band founders Willy Wanje and Athumani Mwanyoha, who allowed him to attend rehearsals. He was eventually enlisted as a back up singer but rarely had a chance to perform as he was underage. But it was not long before the Nzaro became a regular fixture in the band.
The turn of the new millennium brought along mixed fortunes, as a tourism slump affected the entertainment circuit.
"We would perform sporadic gigs in different clubs and eventually we had no choice but relocate to Nairobi, where we got performance slots at the Panafric Hotel. But the band split up in 2002," he recalls.
His singing abilities having been noticed, in 2002 Maroon approached Nzaro. He joined the Kenya Army— and has since remained a member of the band.
Albums
The military outfit has helped Nzaro sharpen his vocals skills and exposed him to a range of venues and functions. He has been instrumental in band’s release of latest releases such as Shika Kamba and Kenya Unite.
"But even as I performed with Maroon, I often felt compelled to gravitate towards our traditional Giriama songs," he says.
Although still an active member of the band, Nzaro’s desire has taken root in his debut album Nihendedze. He describes the album as a blend of modernity and ancient Giriama traditions, delivered with a compelling fusion of cultural instruments.
