Tributes as celebrated musician Ayub Ogada is buried

Ayub Ogada, a legendary musician. [Photo, File]

He picked his favourite instrument - nyatiti - travelled across the globe and became famous.

That’s how the family of musician Ayub Ogada eulogised him as he was laid to rest at his Nyahera home in Kisumu County.

Hundreds of mourners, among them local artistes, trooped to the home to give Ogada a final sendoff befitting a music legend.

While some of the artistes came with guitars, flutes and pianos, others carried traditional drums and nyatiti - the music instruments that Ogada used to entertain his fans locally and at the world stage. 

The family said Ogada loved playing music. Jack Nyadundo, a celebrated Ohangla musician, eulogised the late musician as his greatest mentor.

“If it were not for Ogada, I would not be famous,” he said, remembering their heydays.

Nyadundo showered Ogada with praises, saying it was the late musician who organised his first performance abroad in Zambia by raising money for him.

He pleaded with the government to nurture and promote young talent. 

Decades ago

Lizar Mackea, a British national, recalled how she first met Ogada at a concert decades ago.

“I met him 41 years ago in London. His performances were thrilling. He inspired me. He played the piano and guitar admirably,” she said. “His talent and good music is not dead. The music is still archived and you can listen to it. But his death should serve as a call to nurture talent to keep his great legacy alive,” she added.

Born in 1956, Ogada died of spinal complications at the age of 62. He is survived by his wife Yvonne and five children.