Artiste’s mission to keep benga legacy alive

By Caroline Nyanga

 

Of the music genres on offer in the local entertainment scene, benga music is perhaps the most competitive, with tens of singers competing for attention of discerning audiences.

But amid the challenges in breaking into the mould of this field characterised by cutthroat competition, one man has successfully curved a niche for himself as a top artiste in the genre.

Mackenzi Onyango Ayugi, fondly referred to as Jakameji by his fans, is also an accomplished guitarist, drummist and composer.

Benga musician Mackenzi Onyango aka Jakameji. [PHOTOS: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

The musician has been in the industry for nearly two decades and attributes his success to determination, patience, hard work and perseverance.

Jakameji, who is working on his third album, has performed at various entertainment spots in Nairobi alongside benga queen Princess Jully.

The artiste promises benga fans a treat of their lives, adding that the album will be radically different from what other musicians have released in the past.

“It comprises a few new songs including some of my greatest benga hits that have been redone,” says the musician based in Oyugis Town where his band, Original Benga Sounds, features in most entertainment spots.

But Jakameji laments benga music has over the years lost out to other genres with many benga musicians said to be languishing in poverty.

But he says this has not deterred him and he is determined to restore the genre’s lost glory.

While admitting benga music is currently flooded with wannabes, Jakameji, who hopes to one day win a prize in the MTV Africa Music Awards, says it is time musicians came together to strengthen the genre. He nevertheless encourages upcoming benga artistes not to give up on their dream.

Born in Kamagambo location, Rongo division in Migori County, Jakameji says he was an active participant in music and drama festivals at Kadianga Primary School where he attended his primary level education. Although he was a top student, he could not continue with his education after completing Class Eight due to lack of school fees.

He later studied Mechanical Engineering at an Evangelical Lutheran Church. He then moved to Mombasa in search of greener pastures and this is where he met legendary Luo benga musician, the late Dr Collela Mazee in 1999, who enlisted him in his Victoria B Kings Band.

However, his parents were not happy with his stay in Mombasa and had to relocate to Nairobi.

In 2001, Jakameji hooked up with fellow benga musician, Dr Omollo Kondigo, whom he says transformed his music career.

“I joined his band and performed in various clubs within the country. Working with him enabled me improve on my vocals and stage performance.”

He later joined Tobby Boys’ band headed by Simon Opiyo that plies its trade in Migori before forming his band in 2004.

Jakameji’s recorded his first album, Ongondo Oromo Telo, in 2003 under Victoria Kings Band, which had six tracks among them Yien e Wat Dhano and  Adoyo Rit Odira.

Although he is saddened by the fact that Kenya has lost legendary benga singers such as Dr Collela Mazee, DO Misiani, Prince Jully, and Musa Juma, among others, he promises to ensure the benga legacy lives on.