Machakos defined the shape of Kamba music and it is no wonder that some of the finest musicians in Ukambani have their roots in the county.
From the 1960s, groups like Kilimambogo Brothers of the late Kakai Kilonzo, Mateo Festos of Muema Brothers and Peter Mwambi of Kyanyanga Boys Band have composed hit songs that captivated not just Ukambani but the entire country.
Hits like Kakai Kilonzo’s Waheshimu Wazazi (Respect parents), Mateo Festos’ Mwambie Stela nimefungwa jela which remain anthems in dance halls in the county even today.
Of that generation, only one is alive and playing.
Music promoter cum MC Shadrack Musyoka wa Kaleli says the 1980s brought in the likes of Kalambya Boys of the late Peter Mutaiti, Ngoleni Boys of Dick Mulwa, which is remembered for producing one of the most popular Kamba romantic songs, Grace Mwendwa.
The 1990s belonged to David Kasyoki’s Katitu Boys’ Band of Cheza na Katitu fame. It was the same period that saw the emergence of Sammy Wambua, aka Kilunda, of Kilunda kiyisi mbesa (An arrow does not know money) fame.
Today leading musicians of the county include Ken Wamaria of the Yatta International Orchestra, Ben Mbatha Kativui of Kyaume, John Muasa of Simba, Bob Mbithi and Stephen Somba of Mutituni Boys, Jeff Maithya alias Karanga lazima of Machakos boys Band and the sensational vuusya uungu.
Musyoka wa Kaleli is however disappointed that some of today’s musicians are using their songs to promote hatred and using vulgar language.
#historynow