Maroon Commandos

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Maroon Commandos is a musical group from

Langata, Nairobi. The group performs benga, rumba and other styles of music. They perform both original and cover versions.[1] The band plays often at state functions.[2]

The group was formed in 1970 by bandleader Habel Kifoto and some other member. The next year they signed with

Polydor Kenya[3] and released the hit "Emily".[4] In 1972 the band had a traffic accident, which left some of their members dead. After the accident the band was dormant for five years before releasing their album Riziki Haivutwi after 1977.[3] They also released the song "Charonyi ni Wasi", whose lyrics were written in the Taita language. "Charonyi Ni Wasi" became Maroon Commandos' first major hit.[5]

The band had a 10-year recording break which ended with the release of Shika Kamba album in 2007, released by the Sound Africa label.[2][6]

The band has had several line-up changes since its formation. Former bandleader Habel Kifoto retired from the military and was from 2009 to 2011 the chairman of Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK).[7] Kifoto died on 31 July 2011 in Nairobi as he collapsed due to a suspected heart failure.[8] One of its former core members, David Kibe Left the band after he rose in the military ranks and had no more time for the band.[2] Another former member was Laban Ochuka, who also played for another army band, the Ulinzi Orchestra. Ochuka died in May 2006.[9]

ranks.[10]

Discography

Their albums until 1991 were released by Polydor Kenya[3] and the latest albums by Sound Africa.

  • Riziki Haivutwi (1977 or later)
  • Dawa Nimuone Hani (1983)
  • Pesa Maradhi Ya Moyo (with Daudi Kabaka) (1986)
  • Hasira ni Hasara (1986)
  • Bila Jasho "Mwakaribishwa na Maroon" (1989)
  • Bonya Kuché (1990)
  • Shikamoo (1991)
  • Shika Kamba (2007)
  • Kenya Unite
  • Habel Kifoto & Maroon Commandoes – Greatest Hits

References

  1. ^ The Standard, 7 August 2009: Soldier marches back to his roots Archived 17 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ a b c Daily Nation, 12 February 2009: Maroon Back With Hit Album
  3. ^ a b c Muzikifan.com: DISCOGRAPHY OF EAST AFRICAN MUSIC Part 2: POLYGRAM (Kenya)
  4. ^ Muzikifan.com: MUSIC OF KENYA & TANZANIA
  5. ^ Simon Broughton, Mark Ellingham, Richard Trillo: World Music: Africa, Europe and the Middle East Rough Guides, 1999
  6. ^ Sound Africa: Maroon Commandos – Shika Kamba
  7. ^ Daily Nation, 9 March 2009: Fat cheques for Kenyan musicians at last
  8. ^ Daily Nation, 31 July 2011: Top Kenyan musician Kifoto dies
  9. ^ Daily Nation, Saturday Review, 13 May 2006: Curtain falls on Ochuka
  10. ^ Daily Nation, Saturday Magazine, 30 January 2010: Maroon Commandos march to their rhythm 40 years and counting
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