Onyango Alemo, new king of Ohangla?

After doing menial jobs in the city, he ventured into music and now his dream is turning into reality. CAROLINE NYANGA traced his journey to fame

If you are an Ohangla fan and have not heard of Onyango Alemo, then you are the only stranger in Jerusalem.

He is the latest Ohangla sensation and most sought after artiste in the genre. His melodious voice sets him apart from other Ohangla artistes. His outstanding attire of a leopard skin and matching headgear creates mystery. And unlike some of his colleagues, he believes in punctuality whenever invited to perform and always sets the stage with his chartbuster, Tabia Mbaya. He then belts a series of tracks climaxing with the popular song Tho Luro, that makes revellers go wild.

His tall frame moves elegantly as he dances while his deep vocal renditions inspires something akin to awe among his fans, who like to sing along.

He started performing at Kibera’s Garage Bar mostly on weekends but will now be found at Club Kuche Kuche in Nyayo Stadium every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Alemo never misses Ramogi Nights, since it’s an occasion where the best artistes from the Luo community showcase their musical talent and fans express their culture and sample traditional food.

Influence fans

"I am honoured that people love and appreciate my music. This is a sign I am headed in the right direction," says the artiste who will be staging a grand show this Saturday at Mamba Village Mombasa.

He attributes his success to his ability to address issues affecting East Africans and Africa in general. Indeed, the artiste has been able to combine sound effects, melody and diction to produce masterpieces that are stylistically accomplished and socially provocative.

He urges fellow musicians to tackle issues that plague society in order to influence fans’ hearts and minds.

Despite his immense success, there is no stopping Alemo who has just completed his second album Gor K’Ogalo produced by Princess Jully Productions. His first album Night Oberana was quite popular. Some of the tracks include Nyasaye Mia Wang’a, Night Part 2 and Piny Osiko just to name a few.

"Releasing this album in March and launching it a month latter will be a great achievement. I strongly believe it will be better than the first and will push me into greater levels musically besides enabling me to perform beyond borders," Alemo says. Besides entertainment, he aims to educate people through music.

"Whenever I visit the studio, I get down to singing whatever is in my mind. Luckily, it has always worked," he says.

Despite his success, Alemo, like many other musicians, has courted controversy. Artistes Daudi Jamigori and Jakadenge have accused him of plagiarising their songs. Jamigori claims to have done Tho Luro while Jakadenge says Tabia Mbaya is his creation. But Alemo says the allegations are just a storm in a teacup.

"Jakadenge is more of a drummist than a singer. Although we played together in the same band at The Bridge View Club on Jogoo Road, I composed the song. Little did I know he would betray me and release it in rhumba version. Not willing to give up I released my own version that is doing well," says Alemo.

But that is not all. Alemo has been accused of looking down upon other musicians. However, he sees this as a ploy to finish him through bad publicity.

"I am an entertainer and most of my fans happen to be women. Besides I am married to a beautiful young woman, Night, with whom we have three children," says the musician.

His journey to fame has not been simple. The Standard Eight drop out from Luoka Primary School in Ugunja is the last born in a family of ten — three boys and seven girls. Born to John Adikin (deceased) who was a security guard in Kisumu and Margaret Atieno, a housewife, he dropped out of school due to lack of school fees.

Journey to fame

"When my father died, my elder brother took the task of educating me but he could not cope. I resorted to doing menial jobs to survive," he says.

He joined Apostolic Choir Church in Buholo where he acquired the name Alemo. When his aunt who lived in Nairobi’s Kawangware Estate visited the village, he decided to accompany her to taste life in the city.

With time, he decided to look for work instead of idling. He left for his elder brother’s place in Kibera, where he was involved in construction work at Gatwekera, earning Sh100 per day.

In 2002, he joined Ohangla maestro Tony Nyadundo as a drummist. They moved to Homa Bay’s Texas Club. After releasing the popular song, Ayaki Mayaka, many contracts came their way and this meant they had to travel to various towns.

Alemo says he was not comfortable because he was married and hardly spent time with his family. He decided to return to Nairobi and joined Oduor Odhialo — another artiste in Kibera. "We performed at Kianda Club for a year and released the album, Okinyo Nyargombe."

In 2008, he left and formed his own band based at Kibera’s Garage Club.

"When I was young, I had this dream to have the best that life could offer. I am glad that God has finally answered my prayer," he says. This is a far cry from the Alemo who would perform the whole night in Kibera for as little as Sh3,000.

Today, he refuses to reveal what earnings he commands.