Caroline Nyanga
A live performance beyond one’s borders is usually every artiste’s dream.
So, when the opportunity came for Kenge Kenge to perform in Israel and Spain for three weeks, the group considered it a vote of confidence on their music.
"It is a great achievement and a rare privilege for us to perform before an audience of diverse communities within various towns including Tel Aviv, Israel, and Madrid, Spain last month. It was also a chance to gauge where Kenyan music stands internationally," says bandleader George Achieng’, who is also the lead vocalist.
Kenge Kenge during an international performance. [PHOTOS: COURTESY] |
"The fact that our music was well received is a clear indication that music knows no tribal nor racial boundaries," says George. Their visit was made possible courtesy of the artistic Director of Spring Festival Eli Grunfeld and the group’s manager Eva Skalla, who is from the UK.
Grunfeld was impressed by their performance at the World Music Expo (Womex) 2009 Festival in Copenhagen, Denmark. The only other Kenyan who has performed at Womex is Suzzana Owiyo in 2008. George explains that although 750 artistes from all over the world applied to perform, only 30 were considered for Womex last year.
Kenge Kenge has in the past shared the stage with African music icons like Youssou N’dour, Carlo Dee and Baaba Maal. But this month they are off to US for a four-month tour, which begins on July 17.
"Unlike most artistes who go abroad solely to perform in clubs we shall go to theatres, road shows, schools and workshops. We will also launch our third album, Opogore, at the end of the month," says the bandleader.
The 11-track album sang in Dholuo and Swahili is recorded at Hitscore Studio, Nairobi. Other albums include Wacho Gi Timo and Otenga.
"We are planning to give our Kenyan fans living abroad fresh music. They will be first ones to enjoy our new album," he says.
Despite its success, the group has come a long way to the top, including having few concerts and being conned by promoters. George explains that handling a band is also not an easy task.
"Dealing with different personalities in a band is taxing as some are bound to misbehave. However, so far so good for us," he says adding that the group has remained together as the members love music.
Kenge Kenge performs every Friday and Saturday at Annex Villa Club, Kariobangi South alongside benga artistes Bana Kadori and Onyango Jagwasi.
Nevertheless, a section of critics think that Kenge Kenge is going downhill having been away from the local entertainment industry for a while. But George is quick to refute the claims.
"The fact that we do many shows abroad and only a few in Kenya doesn’t mean that we are out of the game," says George, adding most people have been swayed by the ohangla wave despite it "having lost its originality".
Kenge Kenge, who have performed in various other countries including Holland, Sweden, Norway, Thailand, Malaysia, Europe, Denmark, Israel, Spain, describe their greatest moment as their visit to Israel.
After the US visit, they will embark on a Nyanza tour alongside Youth On The Move Group.
