Mzee Ngala: 90-year-old pioneer who shaped Kenya's coastal sound

Mzee Ngala: 90-year-old pioneer who shaped Kenya's coastal sound [Robert Menza, Standard] For more than seven decades, the sound of a saxophone carried on gentle coastal rhythms has defined celebrations along Kenya's shoreline. Joseph Ngala Katana popularly known as Mzee Ngala or Mzee Bango is a living archive of Kenya's coastal sound, a musical baobab whose roots continue to nourish generations of artistes and whose melodies still echo across the shores of the Indian Ocean. Now in his 90s, the veteran singer, saxophonist and composer remains active on stage, still performing with the same passion that launched his musical journey more than 70 years ago. Born in 1935 in Mombasa, Mzee Ngala grew up in a musical family that exposed him early to different sounds and rhythms. His father owned an electric record player with a collection of records, giving the young Ngala access to music that many children of his generation had never heard. While still a student at Shimo La Tewa Secondary School, Ngala and his friends formed a small band using improvised instruments. Their performances were simple and mostly for fun, but they revealed the young musician's natural talent. By the age of 12, he had already composed his first song, written for his sister's wedding. That moment marked the beginning of a lifelong musical journey. In 1955, Ngala dropped out of school in Form Two and began searching for work to support himself. He eventually secured a job with the East African Railway in Voi. The railway corporation had unused musical instruments and equipment, and once officials learned that Ngala had a passion for music, they encouraged him to organise a band among fellow workers. The railway band quickly became popular, entertaining workers and residents during social gatherings and local events. When no official events were scheduled, they organised their own performances. It was during these early performances that Ngala began experimenting with musical styles that would later form the foundation of Bango. Jazz melodies blended naturally with coastal rhythms, Brazilian influences and American tunes played during palm wine gatherings and social celebrations. Ngala's growing popularity eventually caught the attention of the beverage giant East African Breweries Limited, which offered him a promotional contract. Working with the company, he toured across Kenya and East Africa performing in entertainment events aimed at promoting the brand. During this period, he collaborated with a pianist known as McDonald and performed at venues such as Nyali Beach in Mombasa while backing a Goan band. The tours expanded his musical exposure and introduced him to larger audiences. In 1963, Ngala wanted to chart his own path. He left his previous employers and formed a band known as the Bahari Boys. The group became well known along the coast for its energetic performances and its ability to compose songs for specific social occasions. Wedding music soon became a defining element of Ngala's artistry. Many of the songs celebrated couples, family unity and marital advice traditions deeply rooted in coastal culture. It was not until 1977 that Bahari Boys recorded their first album, featuring six songs. Although the album sold well across the country, Ngala says the group received very little financial reward. Determined to regain control over their music, the band attempted to market their songs independently. Unfortunately, the strategy failed and financial strain began to tear the group apart. Eventually, key members including the drummer and guitarist left. After the collapse of Bahari Boys, Ngala reorganised and formed a new group known as Tausi Five, which included some of his sons. The band relocated to Malindi, where better recording equipment and a growing fan base helped revive his career. It was during this period that Ngala's musical style matured and gained widespread recognition. The sound he had been experimenting with for years finally crystallised into what would later be called Bango music. In 1987, the genre officially gained its name following the popularity of one of Ngala's songs titled Naitaka Bango. The track, which humorously described a man demanding repayment of a one-shilling debt, became an instant hit. Bango music blends jazz and rhumba influences with traditional coastal sounds, particularly those associated with Mijikenda cultural traditions such as chakacha and mwanzele. The songs are typically performed in Swahili and sometimes in Mijikenda languages. They are known for storytelling style, poetic imagery and messages about love, gratitude and community values. Researchers studying Ngala's music have noted that repetition, rhythm and vivid imagery play an important role in conveying these themes. Bango music also became closely associated with weddings along the coast. In fact, many communities developed a popular saying: "Harusi bila Bango si harusi." Translated, it means: A wedding without Bango is not a wedding. Ngala's influence on Kenyan music is immense. Today more than 15 bands trace their roots to the musical path he created. Groups such as Uyoga Band formerly known as Them Mushrooms as well as bands like Swahili Jazz Band, Teusi Five and Bango Sounds have drawn inspiration from his style. His popular songs include Teus, Pepeta Bango, and Dunia Ni Mambo, which remain widely recognised across the country. Over the years he has performed at numerous cultural events including Coast Night in Nairobi and various festivals across the coastal region. Despite his advanced age, Ngala continues to entertain audiences with his saxophone, proving that passion for music does not fade with time. Today, the veteran musician lives with his family in Freretown, Mombasa, in a traditional Swahili house. His son Jimmy also perform with him despite having his own band. Even at over 90 years old, he still performs at hotels and cultural events along the coast. Ngala's contribution to Kenyan music continues to earn admiration and respect. The Mijikenda Cultural Gala in Kilifi, a special government-organised event on December 27 in Kilifi, was dedicated entirely to celebrating his legacy, a recognition of the cultural heritage he helped preserve. The celebration was to honour the man widely credited with creating the beloved Bango genre, a distinctive sound that blends jazz, rhumba and traditional coastal rhythms into a uniquely Kenyan musical expression.

Mzee Ngala: 90-year-old pioneer who shaped Kenya's coastal sound

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