Otieno Aloka’s take on the power of waist

After several years in musical backwaters, evergreen Ohangla singer, Otieno Aloka has finally reached the top, whipping the charts with hit, Kanungo Eteko. He spoke to CAROLINE NYANGA

High-riding Ohangla musician Otieno Aloka will tommorow stage mega-concert  at Club Monterey –formerly Kutanize – in Nakuru.

The musician will also launch his popular album, Kanungo E Teko at  the club along Kanu Street.

The exclusive premium show will see fans eat from the palms of his  hands,  alongside his eight-man group that includes two female dancers.  

Blending traditional instrumentation with unique vocals, Ohangla singer Otieno Aloka is arguably one of the outstanding local artistes thrilling fans.

He is  arguably the most sought after artiste among his peers. His melodious vocals endear him to fans.

The Kanungo E Teko singer’s prowess onstage is unmatched. 

His tall frame moves elegantly as he dances, while his mellow vocal renditions inspires something akin to awe among his fans.

Aloka thrills with parables on good intimate relationships as he extols the power of flexible waist.

“I was inspired occurences and  conversations  from men and women. That’s when I decided to put it in music form to pass message to my fans,” ethuses Aloka.

The singer’s lyrics about the waist power has finally catapulted him to stardom.

Star power

The song is selling briskly in many entertainment outlets and attracting vieweship on You Tube. To date  the song has garnered more than than 100,000 hits on You Tube.

Apart from great lyricism, his band does a marvellous job in instrumentation.

Couple with good arrangement and diction, Aloka is now the most soughtafter Ohangla singer.

“I am glad that things are working out for me. This is a sign that I am headed in the right direction. I hope to continue doing so,” says Aloka who has released 11 albums.

For 22 years Aloka has toiled to reach the eiptome of his career and that opportunity presented itself last year with release of Kanungo E Teko.

  “It has always been our desire to release quality music, something different from what’s is played on the radio,” says Aloka. 

“Musically, we see opportunity everywhere, but to make good music,” explains Aloka.

 It took the group close to two years to finish their new Kanungo album, which boasts of a brand new fusion style and a more contemporary feel.

“After the launch, we solely want to focus on touring Kenya, and performing,” reveals Aloka.

The seven track album will be on sale during the launch.

Prior to the latest offering, Aloka released ten albums that have been well received locally.

Founded in  rural  Alego in Siaya, the group boasts of nine members. “We love making music, traveling, socialising, entertaining and greatest of all performing,” says Aloka.

There’s no doubt that the group works towards, leaving an impression with their contagious energy during their numerous live performances.

The group’s talents are impressionable, leaving no equal serving in their musical prowess.

“We still have a really big catalog of songs that haven’t been recorded, but we’ll be recording again very soon,” he adds.

Having played Ohangla music for more than 22 years – way before pioneers Jack and his brother Tony Nyadundo – Aloka is credited for being in the forefront of redifining Ohangla music besides coping with the changing trends.

He does not however, hesitate to mention that the current Ohangla music has been diluted by various musicians who  lack originality.

Unlike his peers Aloka is capable of playing both modernised and the original Ohangla music.

After 20 years of  hardwork  a good Samaritan by the name Mama Awaka brought him into the city of Nairobi two years ago. And like they say the rest is history. 

“When I was younger I had a dream that I would make it big. I’m glad the dream has been realised,” concludes Aloka.