Just saw this comment from Mutunga and decided to make it a post.

Enjoy

@Lydia (and all Ntwigans who are keen on music from Eastern Kenya):

Here are some of those tracks I promised you sometime back.
Let’s start with “Kimandiko” style, those night time dances your parents never allowed you to attend. (My folks wouldn’t let me go either )

Mandasi 110 – Joseph Mutaiti

Munyivu Wa Mang’ea – Joseph Mutaiti

Mutaiti reigned supreme for a long time, his sweet voice and great mastery of the guitar craft combining with words of advice in his ever-loved songs. But he wouldn’t have the last word on the solo guitair. Kakai Kilonzo had his say, then came along one young man who could play the solo guitar like no one else, making it match the notes of the lead singers exactly. I’m talking of the late “Kijana Softie”, Kasyoki of Katitu Boys Band.
Here’s one track:

Kathambi – Katitu Boys Band

Right now, the art of the Kamba record is undergoing a quiet revolution …. but maybe not so quiet when you listen to Sanita Musyoki, the up-and-coming innovator whose music targets the young generation (under 30). Here’s “Kana Ka Vicky”, who would rather not be touched “Ndienda Ukwatangwa!”.

Sinuka – Sanita Musyoki

Things get hotter with Man Kathumba taking the tempo to a frenetic climax.

Kwitu Mbooni – Man Kathumba

But perhaps the most seasoned musician in Ukambani today is Bosco Mulwa. In the track below, we hear him developing “Kyamulumba”, his own version of Rumba, which he combines with the Kamba “Musolo”,without forgetting to put it in a wider pan-African context.

Wakulume – Bosco Mulwa

Gone are the days when the Kamba music scene used to be male-dominated. The gloves come off as Serah Kithendu of Kawethei Sisters takes the microphone, advising members of the public to keep off the frothy stuff.

Uki Ti Museo – Serah Kithendu and Kawethei Sisters

But after all these fast-paced tracks, you might want to hear some sisters from the west with a more relaxing style. This is the track with which I learnt to waltz.

Mississippi – Pussy Cat

Have a great weekend.

Sorry about keeping these as SendSpace links: much as I hate SendSpace as a source for files (since the links expire), I cannot post the files to the site.

- Steve

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