As they prepare to commemorate their 50th birthday, Kenya's oldest band, Them Mushrooms Orchestra have landed in the UK for a two week-series of shows to start their half-century anniversary celebrations slated for December 12.
The team of 12 members will be based in London which will culminate on D-Day either in Mombasa or Nairobi on December 12.
Band leader John Katana Harrison said they are elated to resume normal business after a long lay-off following Covid-19 restrictions effected on March 2020.
This is their first tour outside Kenya after the pandemic was contained.
"It has just come at the right time when we are determined to make the big day celebratory back at home as we have started the process in the United Kingdom where we are going to entertain revellers in different parts of the (London) city," Katana Harrison told The Saturday Standard.
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Although it is not the first time the band will be touring Europe, the renowned Kenya Hakuna Matata' hit song band is out to emulate the top Democratic Republic of Congo's top artistes like Lokassa Ya Mbongo of Sokous Stars or Nyboma Mwan Dido whose most performances have over the years been based abroad.
Started in 1972 by five brothers at a time of Osibisa and Black Blood musical models, Them Mushrooms is one of Africa's most iconic bands that have survived the test of time without the emergence of any off-shoots.
The band rose to fame with a distinct blend of Taarab and Sega/Benga folk music, before taking to Chakacha and spicing it up with rap and hip-hop beats.
Today, the Them Mushrooms band plays a cocktail of genres with Afro-fusion including Zele, Chakacha, and Benga, and have covered everything from love to disease and landmines.
In order to have a family grip on the band affairs, the band leadership has introduced their young siblings into the group for a gradual takeover from aging founders.
"There must be continuity in the group and therefore we have come up with strategies to expose and teach the young members of the band on ways of carrying out this business at tender ages," said Katana.
"This is a band that is destined to serve many generations to come, hence the need to encourage and involve our youngsters in the business of this group," he said.
John's (Katana Harrison) daughter Kache is a singer in the group while seven-year-old Amir Sarro, the grandson of Billy Sarro Harrison is a percussionist.