By Kiundu Waweru
It is an extra ordinary sight as hip Nairobians fervently dance to traditional North Eastern soulful music as middle-aged Somali women sing their hearts out.
The stage is Alliance Francaise as Spotlight on Kenyan music concert takes off in style. The musicians Bismillahi Gargar charm the crowd with Garissa Express, which is a fusion of traditional and modern fast-paced lyrics.
After performing six songs they gracefully exit the stage, to the screams of audience asking for more.
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Guy Morley and Olith Ratego [PHOTO:KIUNDU WAWERU/STANDARD) |
Tabu Osusa, who produced the album, is joyous but laments the death of similar authentic sound. "Unfortunately, Kenyan music died in the 1970s. We lack identity," Tabu laments.
Few musicians have gone against the grain of copying the western popular music, to flash out the Kenyan rich rhythm.
One such artiste is gospel singer Emmy Kosgei who scooped Female Artiste of the Year for her album, Taunet Nelel.
"I noticed Kenyans love the passion and energy of our own music. Even those who don’t understand what I’m saying find that my music soothes them inside," she explains.
Another gospel artiste to set precedence is Allan Aaron, whose song, Wimutheru, fused reggae beats with the Akorino karing’aring’a.
Allan Aaron credits fellow musician Hezeh Ndung’u for who popularising the Akorino beat.
Tabu feels that the hip-hop music is really not music, but showbiz that cannot stand the test of time for always a new artiste will emerge with a funkier beat.
Fusion
Guy Morley, a UK-based music producer is in Kenya, working with Ohangla artiste, Olith Ratego, to give it a more modern feel. "I have discovered that the traditional Ohangla does not escape the entertainment spots, that is it is not enjoyed outside of the club. But with a little more arrangement, it is beautiful music bound to hit internationally," explains Guy is also a programmer for music festivals and tours. He adds that it’s sad that the Luo have not utilised the Benga beat with all its richness, as witnessed by The Extra Golden Group, comprised of Kenyans and Americans. Extra Golden fuses the Benga beat with rock which they say is defined by its cross-cultural appeal.
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