By CAROLINE NYANGA

Dressed in traditional African attire, a leopard skin with a headgear to match, Onyango Alemo picks the microphone and belts out a verse of, Tabia Mbaya.

He then switches to yet another popular number Tho Luro, driving the adrenaline levels of revellers to fever pitch. The crowd goes wild, almost breaking the dance floor with their vigorous moves. This was during Ramogi Night at the Carnivore recently.

Onyango Alemo on stage. Revellers take to the floor during one of his performances. [PHOTO: BONIFACE OKENDO/STANDARD]

His small but tall frame moved elegantly while his deep vocal renditions inspired something akin to awe among his fans, who sang and danced with him. Numerous others bought his CD, Night Oberana, recorded by Princess Jully at Princess Jully Productions, River Road.

Releasing this album was perhaps one of his greatest achievements.

"Because of the album I carved a niche for myself in the local music scene and also made money," he says.

He is working on his second album, which will be released before end of September.

"I strongly believe that it will be much better than my first one."

Onyango besides entertainment, he aims to educate people through his songs.

"Tho Luro is a dedication to my late friend Steve warning people that life is short so they should stop wasting time while Tabia Mbaya warns those who misbehave, particularly in nightclubs.

COURTING CONTROVERSY

Despite his success, Onyango, like many other musicians, has courted controversy.

His colleagues Daudi Jamigori and Jakadenge have accused him of plagiarising their songs. Jamigori claims to have done Tho Luro while Jakadenge claims Tabia Mbaya.

But Onyango describes their accusations as a storm in a teacup.

"Truth is Jakadenge is more of a drummist than a singer. Although we played together in the same band… way back at The Bridge View Club on Jogoo Road … I composed the song. Little did I know that he would go behind my back and release it in a rumba version.

Not willing to give up I released my own version that is doing well," says Onyango.

He maintains that Tho Luro is his own composition and a dedication to a friend, Steve, who died suddenly while on his way to Nairobi from his rural home.

But that is not all. Onyango has been accused of being proud and having affairs with female fans.

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.

Onyango has come a long way. The Class Eight drop out from Luoka Primary School, Buholo, Ugunja, is the last born in a family of ten — three boys and seven girls.

QUIT SCHOOL

Born to John Adikin (now deceased) who worked as a security guard in Kisumu and Margaret Atieno, a housewife, he dropped out of school due to lack of school fees.

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

He joined Apostolic Choir Church in Buholo where he acquired the name Onyango Alemo.

One time when his aunt Akong’o who lived in Nairobi’s Kawangware estate visited the villahe he decided to accompany her to taste a bit of city life. With time he felt he needed to do something instead of idling the whole day. He then left for his elder brother’s place in Kibera, where he was involved in construction work at Katwekera, earning Sh100 per day.

In 2002, he joined Ohangla maestro Tony Nyadundo as a drummist.They travelled to Homa Bay and were based in Texas Club. After releasing the popular song, Ayaki Mayaka, many contracts came their way and this meant that they had to travel to various towns. Onyango says he was not comfortable given the fact that he was married and hardly spent time with his family.

He decided to return to Nairobi where he 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 to form his own band based at Kibera’s Garage Club. Onyango recalls it was not easy handling a band.

"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 prayers," he says.

This is a far cry from the Onyango who would perform the whole night in Kibera for as little as Sh3,000. Today, he earns some decent pay depending on the show.