Kayamba singer’s sad song as curtain falls

By George Orido

Bius Obunde, the Kayamba singer who was buried at the weekend, lived a humble life in spite of his interactions with the ruling elite that he entertained for a living.

And in a cruel twist of fate, he died weeks apart with his mentor, Boniface Mghanga, the Muungano Choir founder who met and drafted Obunde to join his famous outfit where he honed his skills, and prepared for a life on the performance stage.

Obunde with wife Millicent and two of their children in happier days

I met Obunde in the mid-1990s as an undergraduate at Egerton University, and soon started collaborating in choral songs at Kariobangi Catholic Church, where I also directed musicals with the talented youth members.

Quite often, Obunde would take time off his busy schedule to help with the technical aspects of the production. Additionally, he would mobilise his famed choir to perform along with the children in the musicals during the actual shows.

"He was not only a celebrated soloist, he handled himself with dignity and respect, cutting the image of a committed artiste," says Nicholas Emodiah, whom Obunde deputised as the Choirmaster at National Hospital Insurance fund (NHIF) choir.

On joining Kayamba Afrika, Obunde teamed up with other associates to popularise a genre that blended ethnic gospel sounds with modern A capella.

Evergreen spiritual

Obunde’s voice provides life to the animations in the hit video Ngukinyukia O Kahora, the evergreen spiritual that became something of an anthem in weddings.

"Obunde was a gifted team leader with a dynamic personality. He was happy company with a great sense of humour," recalls Juma Odemba, one of the Kayamba Afrika founders.

By the time of his demise Obunde was the head of one of the Kayamba Afrika’s breakaway groups, Kayamba African Beat where he had released Tunajivunia album.

The Holy Trinity Choir Kariobangi will miss his amiable sessions and winning skills. So will other choirs such as the Ministry of Lands, Queen of Apostles, Kenya Revenue Authority, Coffee Board, University of Nairobi and Sheria, among others, where he provided deft guidance.

Without a doubt, the Muungano National Choir is where he cut his teeth under the stewardship of

Obunde with Kayamba Afrika singers, the outfit that gave him fame. Photos: Photos/ Courtesy

Mghanga.

Obunde showed his mettle after joining the Mama Lucy State House Choir, where he composed patriotic song, Madaraka, winning national acclaim.

Sadly, Obunde’s story is also a familiar script, just as other artists gone before him: He may have performed for presidents, ministers and well-heeled brides and grooms, as well as corporate leaders, but that did not translate into a meaningful existence for the singer.

This is largely due to unscrupulous management that cannot guarantee royalties from artistes, and policies that bequeath broadcasters a blank cheque to decide the levels compensation deemed adequate.

As Obunde clung to the final gasps of breath, eating porridge off his wife Millicent’s hand in Mbagathi District Hospital in Nairobi, his popular songs may have been entertaining guests somewhere, a sad post-script for someone who gave others joy.

At the weekend, he made his final journey home, detouring through Kariobangi church, where he spent many years of his creative life.

Obunde was buried in Sidho village in Kano plains, Kisumu County by friends, family, and a medley of musicians.

Obunde is survived by his widow Millicent and children Felix, 10, Leone, 8, and eight-month-old Gyan.