The winners of 'Spotlight on Kenya Music concerts' for the past five years - drawn from every corner of the country - have come of age and released a great compilation, writes GEORGE ORIDO
The great musical extravaganza held last weekend at Alliance Francaise in Nairobi showcased authentic talent. Top local acts George Mutinda (fresh from winning global music writing award), Iddi Achieng’ and Juma Tutu, Makadem among others performed from their compilation album, Weapon of Mass Reconciliation’.
The 10-track and video compilation is a culmination of five years work from the monthly ‘Spotlight on Kenyan Music’ that has seen authentic and traditional Kenyan music heritage come to stage.
The sounds derived deep from the mangrove thickets of the Kenyan coast to undulating landscape of Rift Valley and from the Nyanza’s lakeshore to the semi-arid lands of North Eastern, the rich heritage, was presented in this new milieu of art.
The enigmatic Makadem graced the stage with his song Nya Nairobi presented in Anglo ohangla – a blend of African drums with some Western rhythms spiced with traditional Luo dodo style.
The song is a romantic rendition of a man in love with the daughter of Nairobi.
Makadem is the man to watch in the growing Kenyan music circles. He can work the crowd into frenzy.
The theme of love was taken to a new level as Benta Ageng’a sauntered on stage singing Chamndete. She acknowledged her mother for her musical inspiration as she told a tale of a beautiful hard working girl who falls in love with an irresponsible man who abdicates his responsibility of footing the bills.
“I was pleasantly surprised with the warm reception in Nyeri during our Spotlight tour,” recalls Benta who hails from South Nyanza.
If Benta was revelation during the concert, then Juma Tutu was inspirational. The musician who is also Nyota Ndogo’s sibling inspired with this rich Sengenya beats fused with tenor saxophone in the song Sukari.
“Nakupenda Kama Sukari, Nakuambia ni kweli si siri,” goes the song that placates a lover to trust.
The last time Juma performed in Kisumu the song was an instant hit as fans sang along his hooks.
“I didn’t imagine that the people here would love Coast music. I think it is a lesson that music is universal and can unite us as a nation,” he reckons.
The dread-locked singer also thrilled with Nilipata Mzungu, yet another gem about interracial romance thriving along coastal towns.
He bowed out with his song Katana bin Kalama that fuses Mwanzele, a style borrowed heavily from traditional music performed at local village events.
The compilation preaches love as most artistes reflect on 2008 post-election violence.
Environmental conservation came to the fore when Benga diva Iddi Achieng performed hit single, Ni Yako Ni Uyangu.
“I wrote this song at the height of the raging debate on the conservation of Mau Forest,” reveals Iddi whose DVD titled My Heritage, My Pride was released in 2008.
Fresh hits
The ever fresh and youthful choral group, Sauti Soul also thrilled with Nakuja, a smooth blend of afro-pop.
Award-winning singer-cum-songwriter George Mutinda recently won the International Songwriting Competition, in the World Music Category, entertained with hit single, Simama, off his album Vala Vandu.
Mutinda won the first edition of the Spotlight on Kenya Music series. The beauty of compositions lies on the authentic acoustic guitar that accompanies it.
It is ideal for a peaceful retreat after a hard day or when grappling with the many life troubles.
Exit Mutinda and enters John Malenya with Omulayi Niwina meaning ‘Who will be perfect?’
Malenya who picked playing the guitar from the legendary George Mukabi in 1952 and in this song decries hatred and jealousy that changes friends into foes.
Doris Tash Chepchumba who sang with the military band Maroon Commandos performs Kipla.
Ben Kisinja and Chebin Band performed about cattle rustling in the song Kiseete.
Other musicians who thrilled include Alai K with Mtema Kuni, Michael Ongaro with Nenda Salama, Teto with Iyie Ake, Ronald Ontiri with Speed Governor and Simon Mugo with Uthaka wa Kairitu.
Other artistes in this joint collabo include Eric Wainaina, Gabriel Omondi, Juma Odemba, Peter Ngeru, Abbi, Nyota Ndogo, Barbara Guantai, and Yunasi.
