Jamnazi Africa group bounces back, dispels rumours of split

By Caroline Nyanga

They once ruled the airwaves with songs like I’m Not Sober, Riziki, Kendu Bay and Rozzy, before disappearing from the limelight. And worse still their last album Khandapaka was not as well received as the previous ones.

Jamnazi has for sometime now kept a low profile – it has been a while since the group staged a show in Nairobi – leading to speculation they may have quit music as a result of dwindling fortunes.

However, Jamnazi’s Awilo Mike dispelled the rumours.

"We have not quit music. We want our fans to know that we are still very much in the game and brace themselves for more surprises in store," says Awilo.

Jamnazi founder Mike Awilo

Milton Ongoro, who composed the popular song Kendu Bay, said they have not performed in Nairobi in a long time because most club owners consider their charges expensive.

"The fact that they have to pay for our transport, accommodation, and performance puts some of them off," said Ongoro.

Awilo also said business had gone down in clubs in Nairobi.

"The artistes currently performing in most clubs are small Ohangla outfits whose charges are lower compared to Benga and Rumba musicians. Nevertheless, we are expecting many bands to return to Nairobi soon with the high season approaching," said Awilo.

Without going into much detail, they admit their last album, Khandapaka, was poorly done.

"As a result we have been busy trying to re-produce some of the songs from the album with the hope that the final product will be better and appeal to the audience," says Ongoro.

The Riziki VDC, said Ongoro, also did poorly because it was hurriedly done. Jamnazi has been busy doing shows within Nyanza and Western provinces.

Split rumours

They have performed in Kisii, Kisumu, Awendo, Migori, Eldoret and Kakamega.

Early this month they will be headed to Mombasa for a few days.

"We have performed almost everywhere in Kenya except in Central Province. We nevertheless hope to do so upon invitation," says Ongoro.

Ongoro and Awilo dispelled rumours they had split. They said rumours of their split were triggered by the fact that each one of them did a different project.

"We have never split. The fact that I did Makulata album while Ongoro released Rozzy elicited such rumours," said Awilo.

"We had many songs which could not fit in one album hence our decision to release separate albums," said Awilo.

The duo is working on two albums made up of gospel, reggae and praise songs.

"It was just a matter of time before we bounced back with something new. Kenyans should now know that we are back in force and July will attest to this," said Ongoro.

One of the group’s members, Frederick Akivambo, has released a Luhya album, Vapere, (meaning people who have a habit of bad mouthing others). Another member, Javo, is working on a Luo album to be released soon.

The group is establishing its own studio in Eldoret town, which they hope to complete by January.

Jamnazi Africa has come a long way to stardom. Formed in April 2002 in Eldoret it has been credited as one of the groups that have changed the face of the local music industry.

"I met Awilo in Kutana Club Eldoret where he was part of the Kilimanjaro music group while I was in Banakutana band," recalls Ongoro.

After a month Awilo left Kilimanjaro to join Ongoro and his group in 2001. The following year the duo quit and formed Jamnazi Africa.

The band comprises 25 musicians and is based at Wagon Hotel Eldoret where they perform every Friday and Saturday.

"We have been performing at the hotel for eight years now. The fact that we have two groups has enabled us to know how to go about our scheduled performances whenever called upon."

The group comprises Ongoro, bandleader, vocalist-cum-rhythm guitarist, Awilo Mike, bandleader-cum- vocalist.

Others are Javo Kamita and Kataliko – vocalists, Julius and Peter Daliti – solo guitarists. Peter is the leader of the Jamnazi group that remains behind whenever the other half goes out performing.

The others are Johny Losa and Katange - drummists, Godffrey – bass guitarist, Ouma – rhythm and dancers Ciru and Vicky.

The group that normally remains behind to stage shows at Wagon Hotel include Yusufu, drummist, Joniko, rhythmist, Makbumba, bassist and Kavote, who plays rhythm and solo guitars.

Awilo is married to Esther Akuno with whom they have two sons, while Ongoro is married to Daphine Akinyi, with whom they have a son.

Their advice to artistes is never give up… "Success requires patience, perseverance, hard work and faith in God and yourself."