Benga music
| Benga | |
|---|---|
| Stylistic origins | |
| Cultural origins | Late 1940s - Late 1960s, Kenya |
| Regional scenes | |
| Kenya • Tanzania | |
| Other topics | |
| Part of a series on the |
| Culture of Kenya |
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Cuisine |
Benga is a
Luo Benga
The Luo of Kenya have long played an eight-string lyre called nyatiti, and guitarists from the area sought to imitate the instrument's syncopated melodies. In benga, the electric bass guitar is played in a style reminiscent of the nyatiti. As late as the turn of the twentieth century, this bass in nyatiti supported the rhythm essential in transmitting knowledge about society through music. Opondo Owenga of Gem Yala, the grandfather of Odhiambo Siangla, was known for employing music as a means of teaching the history of the Luo. The father of the popular Luo Benga is non-other than The Famous George Ramogi (Omogi Wuod Weta) and CK Jazz. He helped the Benga enthusiasts by recording their Benga music in different labels in the capital city of Nairobi. Dr. Mengo of Victoria Jazz was a protege of George Ramogi.
In 1967, the first major benga band, Shirati Jazz, was formed by
1997 saw the death of three prominent Luo Benga artists, Okatch Biggy of Heka Heka Band, George Ramogi and Prince Jully. The Jolly Boys Band of Prince Jully was taken over by his wife Princess Jully and she has since been a leading female Benga musician.[3]
Another famous benga band Migori Super Stars was formed in the mid-70s and was led by Musa Olwete which later split to form another popular benga band Migori Super Stars C with musicians such as Joseph Ochola (Kasongo Polo Menyo), Onyango Jamba, Ochieng' Denge denge and others.
More modern benga artists include Kapere Jazz Band and the rootsy Ogwang Lelo Okoth. The new millennium has seen the emergence of Dola Kabarry and Musa Juma. The latter saw his career cut short as he died in 2011. MJ, as he was popularly known to his fans, developed a kind of benga that infused elements of rumba. he was able to mold other musicians such as John Junior, Ogonji, Madanji, and his late brother Omondi Tonny.[4]
Currently, Odhiambo Tusker of Malela Kings Band is considered the superstar of Luo Benga music, with all his music loved by people of all ages.[5][6]
There are also other benga artists based in other countries other than Kenya, such as the American/Kenyan group Extra Golden.
See also
References
- ^ Miles, M. (1989). The Folk and The New Ganged in Kenya. Boston: Phoenix.
- ^ Onyor, J.O. (2019). Political imagery and symbolism in Daniel Owino Misiani’s benga songs. Master’s Thesis. Maseno University, Kenya. https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/123456789/1435/corrected%20copy%20thesis.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y (25 February 2021).
- ISBN 978-1-85828-859-8.
- ^ Daily Nation, 16 March 2011: Benga maestro leaves fans waiting for more
- ^ Gwengi, Isaiah (20 February 2021). "Odhiambo Tusker speaks, says Benga is alive amid nonstop Ohangla beat". The Standard. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
- ^ Nyanga, Caroline (31 March 2012). "Odhiambo Tusker out to return Benga to its golden days". The Standard. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
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