John Nzenze
John Nzenze | |
---|---|
Nairobi Area, Kenya Colony | |
Origin | Kakamega, Kenya |
Died | May 30, 2020 Kakamega, Kenya | (aged 79–80)
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instrument(s) | Guitar |
Labels | Jambo Records |
John Nzenze (1940 – 30 May 2020)[1] was a musician from Kenya. He had performed the twist dance style.[2] Some of his most popular songs were "Angelike" (released in 1961),[2] "Julieta Rudi Tuone" and "Habari za Nairobi (Nairobi twist)".[3]
Life
He was from the Luhya tribe in the western region part of Kenya. Nzenze went to St Peter's primary school. He started playing with his father's guitar at the age of 12, but after learning how much time he spent playing it, his father sold the guitar. After finishing the school, he worked at the Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi. At the time he teamed up with Daudi Kabaka, with whom he recorded three songs - "Safari Tanganyika", "Bachelor Boy" and "Nyumba za Tobacco". These songs were released by Jambo Records and became hits.[2]
He toured
In 2009 he was among four pioneering Kenyan showbiz people given Head of State Commendation awards by president Mwai Kibaki. Others were John Katana (band leader Them Mushrooms), David Ndung'u and Conrad Karukenya (aka Tiger Power).[3]
Nzenze died on 30 May 2020, a month after undergoing stomach surgery.[1]
References
- ^ a b Wanjohi, John (30 May 2020). "Legendary Kenyan Twist Singer John Nzenze is Dead". Mwakilishi.com. Archived from the original on 1 June 2020.
- ^ a b c d Daily Nation, 14 June 2009: At 70, Nzenze still holds on to his guitar
- ^ a b c d Daily Nation, 5 June 2009: Three sing their way to glory
- ^ The Guardian, 27 July 2001: 'If I didn't save this music no one else would'
External links
- John Nzenze discography at Discogs
- John Nzenze at IMDb