Veteran musician Gabriel Omolo, famously known for his ‘lunchtime’ hit passed on Thursday morning at the age of 83 years.
The famous composer, singer, and guitarist has seen his music play over the years, entertaining Rhumba lovers with his slow-paced music good for relaxing the mind.
Born in 1939, Omolo was raised in the railway quarters of Muthurwa and later, Makongeni, Nairobi.
He attended St. Peters Claver’s Primary School in Nairobi, where he learned how to play the guitar and also sang in the choir.
He officially started singing in the 1960s, joining the iconic Equator Sound Band where he worked with the famous Fadhili William, Daudi Kabaka, and Nashil Pichen.
He later formed his own recording group, naming it Apollo Komesha 71.
His hard work paid off in 1974; becoming the first Kenyan musician to be awarded an international gold disc for the sales of his single ‘Lunchtime’.
His other rhumba hits include Argwings Hero National, Mr. Kupe, and Tom Mboya.
Omolo died at Busia County Referral Hospital on Wednesday night after a long illness.