Orchestra maestro lives on through son

Joshua Nyang’au

It is said political leadership in Africa is hereditary and the composition of Kirwanda Junior Band (KJB) is testimony that artistry too can be inherited.

The bandmaster, Charles Nyagwoka Otiso, is a nephew of former Gusii maestro, John Arisi O’Sababu of Kirwanda Songa 78 Jazz. Nyagwoka’s grandfather too was an adored Obokano player and singer during colonial days.

Formed soon after the demise of O’Sababu in 1997, KJB has released 13 volumes and commands a sizeable audience in Western Kenya and beyond.

"Thanks to FM stations and the advent of VCDs and DVDs, our band is known beyond Gusiiland. We are usually invited to entertain during public holidays, parties and corporate functions," says Nyagwoka.

The band entertains patrons at Ikonge market along the Kisii-Chemosit road most Fridays. Nyagwoka says they also perform at entertainment joints in Kisii, Nakuru and Nairobi.

He composed the song Kerubo after his lover ditched him for another man even though he had sold everything he had to educate her to college level. The song propelled the band into the limelight.

"I composed the song after a true life experience and even if it was a bitter pill to swallow, the piece was a hit and will be for some time," the 37-year-old says.

songs win hearts

Nyagwoka says his songs win hearts because they are all about real life experiences in the society.

"For instance, the song Obotaka Tibori Kegomi (poverty is not permanent) motivates and encourages the poor that through determination and hard work they will get out of the snares of poverty."

The father of four also singles out Abarandia na Abapasta (preachers and pastors), a song "composed to condemn the men of cloth who preach water but drink wine" as another piece that is highly appreciated.

While with Kirwanda Jazz Band, Nyagwoka says, he moved former President Daniel Moi with a welcoming song, Moi Wetu Karibu, when he attended the official opening of Nyamira District in 1992. Moi gave the band Sh100,000, a huge amount in those days, as a token of appreciation.

Nyagwoka says the band’s motivation comes from the late musician (O’Sababu) "who loved his work so much. He died before the arrival of VCDs and DVDs and I know had he been alive, the entertainment scene in Gusii would not be as it is."

The KJB members are mostly Nyagwoka’s cousins.