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KENYA

A big country with lots of lovely music and what's more loads of different styles too.

This page was last updated on 22/2/24.



ARTISTTITLENUMBERFMTPRICEBUY
ABANA BA NASERY NURSERY BOYS GO AHEAD CDORBD076 CD £ 0.00
ABDUL MUYONGA WITH EVEREST KINGS WANAWAKE HAWANA WIVU KCI1 TC £ 0.00
Abdul is no great shakes vocal wise but his guitar is definitely outstanding as he take us for a leisurely stroll with the Everest Kings. Its a sweetly played if fairly uneventful Swahili rumba trip until you get to Mama Wa Kambo and Gracecar where the sebens swing into action with some great guitar picking and echoing vocals. ( F.T.Index: Mama Wa Kambo, Gracecar, Safari Ya Mombasa, Muungano Wa Africa, Wanawake Hawana Wivu, Kuishi Ni Bahati. ) [6T/60M]
ASARIA ODONGO AND JUMA CK JAZZ BAND JOHN OGOLA - RAEL ACHIENG MLD76150 7in £ 0.00
No info on the band or the singer just both tracks from a 7inch single which are just gorgeous. Have a listen to the clips.
Sold out but FREE download available on request as either .wav or .mp3 files.
1. JOHN OGOLA
2. RAEL ACHIENG
BANA KADORI AGWAMBO KN0002 CD £ 0.00
Absolutely gorgeous from start to finish and now a very treasured possession. Lush vocal harmonies over smooth, danceable beats have made the sweet benga sounds of BANA KADORI a mainstay on the Kenyan music scene for almost 30 years. Formed in 1979 as a backing band for the legendary Ochieng Kabasseleh, the 'Band of the Children of Dori' has spent decades fine tuning their own intoxicating blend of Luo benga and Congolese rumba – a sound that exhilarated audiences on the group's first US tour in August and September of 2007. It was toward the end of that summer sojourn that BANA KADORI hooked up with Kanyo's own Nyathi Otenga Flying Studios in a basement in Bethlehem, PA to document their latest collection of sonic confections. 1. AGWAMBO PT. 1
2. AGWAMBO PT. 2
3. CAROLINA
4. OCHOT MAYAKA
5. AUMA
6. JUDY
7. ALWALLA JA KADEL
8. DOC ODOTTE
BANA KADORI - 'MASANGA' NAIROBI WOLOLO EHS2201 CD £ 0.00
Formed and originally led by Ochieng Kabaselleh in 1979. The band have released seven cassettes in Kenya but this is their first CD. While the band's music still keeps Kabaselleh's style it will be more than appreciated by lovers of benga music with its solid base and sweet guitar work. Tracks: Mbuya Obanda, Nairobi Wololo - Haruma Pasi, Edward Nyandat, Intercooler, Nyar Ungos, Consolato Adihiambo, The Late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. (7T/69M) Track: Intercooler
BIGGY OKATCH AND ORCH. SUPER HEKA-HEKA NYATHI NYAKACH BIGGY04 TC £ 0.00
Probably the biggest star of benga music in Kenya at the moment with a load of cassettes out. Having written that in mid 98, about four months ago I've just been informed that he's died. Still......! amazing guitar work with strings twanging in all directions while Biggy's really gutsy vocals power out over the rest of the band's sweet harmonies. The bass guitarist really thuds it out while the drummer seems to concentrate on snare as an interesting sideline to his once lucrative drumming job. However his drums will certainly get the old pins going like pistons in the sebens. The inlay shows only four tracks but in actual fact there are twelve - four singles sides A and B plus two of the singles repeated = twelve? ( F.T.Index: Adoche, Hellena Nyabondo, Nyathi Nyakach, Isaiah Ogwe. ) [12T/59M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. NYATHI NYAKACH ( parts 1 & 2 )
2. ISAIAH OGWE ( parts 1 & 2 )
3. HELLENA NYABONDO (AKOTHE) ( parts 1 & 2 )
4. ADOCHE ( parts 1 & 2 )
5. HELLENA NYABONDO ( second version parts 1 & 2 )
D. O. MISIANI CLUB OASIS EHS2202 CD £ 0.00
Still going after over 60 years and making magic music when he is not in jail for having a go at the Government. Solid bass lines and thumping drums provide the perfect field for his razor sharp guitar playing which in turn is complimented by the high pitched singing of the girl singers. It's infectious lilting style will waft you away and have you dreamily strutting your stuff in some smokey Kenyan dance hall in minutes. ( F.T.Index. Amolo Piny Pako Te, Nike, Aduma Okil Kamaloka, Olago Aluoch, Dr. G. P. Ogutu. ) [7T/M] CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO EHS2202 Track. Amolo Piny Pako Te
D. O. MISIANI AND SHIRATI JAZZ WORLD UPSIDE DOWN CDORB046 CD £ 0.00
D.O.7 - SHIRATI LUO VOICE JAZZ BAND KENYAFRICA! 4 PS33004 LP £ 0.00
1. JOSHUAH ABUYA
2. G. OGALO
3. JAMES SONGORA
4. CHRISTOPHER ODIRA
5. SILUS OYOO
6. OBIERO OLUMBE
7. SIONGO JOHN
8. SALMON OKWARO
9. TIMOTHY OCHANDA
10. GLARY OPIYO
D.O.7. SHIRATI JAZZ MILLY AUMA CPOLP591 TC £ 0.00


ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
D.O.MISIANI AND D.O.7 SHIRATI JAZZ BAND GOLDEN OLDIES Vol. 1 PFSB03 TC £ 0.00
1. PERES NYOBANDA
2. JOSHIRATI JAZZ (MASANI)
3. BURU NODUM SUDAN
4. MARGARET ODERO
5. JANE MACLINE
6. AUMA LANDO
7. DALMA OTIENO
8. I'M TIRED
9. UPIME NADE
10. GOR MAHIA FC PT. 1
10. GOR MAHIA FC PT. 2
D.O.MISIANI AND SHIRATI JAZZ BENGA BLAST CDEWV13 CD £ 0.00
D.O.MISIANI AND SHIRATI JAZZ THE EAST AFRICAN HIT PARADE JCLP001 LP £ 0.00
DANIEL KAMAU KENYAFRICA! PS33001 LP £ 0.00
1. KIRIRIKANO KIA ZK
2. PASCALENA - PT 2
3. DELINA
4. JANE MACYLINE
5. MACHO INE - PT 2
6. CHIRU
7. KAIRUTU GATARI THONI - PT 2
8. HELENA
9. KANINI
10. WENDO URI MURIO
11. KAIRITU KAIRU
12. NINGWITE NAWE - PT 2
GABBY OMOLLO AND OMONDI JASSOR LUNCH TIME EHSP9901 CD £ 0.00
Never heard of Gabby and Omondi? Well you're not alone, neither had I until this CD popped onto my desk. Now I wouldn't part with it for all the tea in china. Superbly tailored singing from this talented duo is supported by some of the most wonderful guitar playing I've heard in years. The drummer belts out the toe tapping beat with a little intriguing help from what sounds like our strident old friend - the Fanta bottle. Just wait till you hear 'em go on Baba Otonglo, now thats what I call supersonic guitar. An absolute cracker of an album from end to end and not to be missed. ( F.T.Index. All tracks dead heat for first place but Baba Otonglo, Juma Nyar U.K., Famili Masikini, and Lunch Time, deserved to win by a whisker. ) [10T/52M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. LUNCH TIME
2. KILIO CHA WAZAZI
3. ANJELI NYAR ALEGO
4. SWEKO NO. 1
5. TONY ONYANGO
6. FAMILI MASIKINI
7. JUMA NYAR UK
8. JALUO ASILI
9. KIMBELE MBELE
10. BABA OTONGLO
GOLDEN SOUNDS BAND SWAHILI RUMBA 76055-2 CD £ 0.00
Just over an hour of fragrant modern Swahili rumba from Twahir Mohamed and his band.
H. N. OCHIENG KABASELLEH APUOYO OBAGO MIEL CPOLP1029 TC £ 0.00
H. N. OCHIENG KABASELLEH FROM NAIROBI WITH LOVE EHS9701 CD £ 0.00
Top Kenyan star Kabaselleh with his Lunna Kidi Band and their hip swiveling old style rumba that's worth its weight in gold. Velvet vocals laid over glittering guitar riffs and all driven by the drummers pounding bass. It might have been recorded back in the 80's but time means nothing to music of this quality as it sounds as fresh and danceable today as it did twenty years ago. ( F.T.Index: Sije, Oyundi, Hommage a Owino Ger, Jela, Africa Dance. ) [5T/65M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. SIJE
2. OYUNDI
3. JELA
4. HOMMAGE A OWINO GER
5. AFRICA DANCE
H. N. OCHIENG KABASELLEH SIKUL AGULU ATIMC002 TC £ 0.00
H. N. OCHIENG KABASELLEH ZAINABU VB-C003 TC £ 0.00
Released originally as six single records they have been combined into a lovely twelve track cassette with the bonus that all the tracks have been recorded as issued in side A and B style. If you compare the F.T.Index below with that of the CD, 'Sanduku Ya Mapendo' above, you will see the last four here are also on it. However they are quite different recordings and the tape version has two absolute crackers in Wuora Ogola Adoyo and Princess Lako. A definite not to be missed just for these two let alone the rest of it. ( F.T.Index: Wuora Ogola Adoyo, Princess Lako, Sukul Agulu, Nyager, Zainabu, Millicento. ) [12T/62M]
H. N. OCHIENG KABASELLEH AND ORCH LUNNA KIDI ANIDAH VB028A 7in £ 0.00
Side A of a 7inch single which is simply incredible. Have a listen to the clips.
Sold out but FREE download available on request as either .wav or .mp3 files.
1. ANIDAH
Sorry no image
H.N.OCHIENG KABASELLEH ACHI MARIA EHS9901 CD £ 0.00
H.N.OCHIENG KABASELLEH SANDUKU YA MAPENDO EHS9702 CD £ 0.00
Some more songs from the late Kabaselleh and quite different to the 'From Nairobi with Love' tracks. Here the guitar and drum driven rumba is joined by the sound of benga and soukous and with the addition of a rather nice horn line up, the music really comes alive. Four of the five tracks can also be found on the 'Zainabu' cassette but in their original side A and B versions. ( F.T.Index: Zainabu, Sikul Agulu, 'Piny, Dunia, Mokili', Nyager, Millicento. ) [5T/49M]
HABEL KIFOTO AND MAROON COMMANDOS RIZIKI - CHRISTINA ETC CPOLP1015 TC £ 0.00
1. RIZIKI
2. NGOJA NGOJA
3. SINE NDOE
4. CHRISTINA
HAFUSA ABBASI AND THE YAHOOS BAND KARIBU RAMADHANI - EWE MOLA QM001 7in £ 0.00
Amazing couple of tracks of Taarab music which have seen the record sell for over GBP 60. Have a listen to the clips and be amazed by two of my all time favorites.
Sold out but FREE download available on request as either .wav or .mp3 files.
1. KARIBU RAMADHANI
2. EWE MOLA
HARDSTONE NUTING BUT DE STONE 203513-206 CD £ 0.00
ISSA JUMA AND LES WANYIKA STARS SIGALAME 2 AFRIZZ008 TC £ 0.00
ISSE ISSEE STARS NDUGU TUELEWANE POLP563 LP £ 0.00
JACOB LUSENO AND GERTRUDE MWENDO ZILIZOPENDWA Vol. 8 CPOLP2008 TC £ 0.00
JAY DEE BINTI JD9981 CD £ 12.00
Modern pop orientated sound from songstress Jay Dee recorded in the USA in 2003. The first song is definitely my favorite from the album but all of them are very nice even the ones with a bit of Kenyan rap in them. 1. USIUSEME MOYO
2. SIRI YANGU
3. MWANIONAJE?
4. MAWAZO
5. WANAUME KAMA MABINTI
6. BOYFRIEND WA D'SALAAM
7. KIFO
8. BINTI
9. ZAINA
10. MUHOGO WA JANG'OMBE
11. SIWEMA
12. MACHOZI REMIX
JOHN AMUTABI NZENZE NIMLILIE NANI? EHS2101 CD £ 0.00
JOHN AMUTABI NZENZE AND FRIENDS ANGELIKE TWIST EHS2402 CD £ 0.00
A beautiful set of original tracks recorded between 1955 and 1966. 1. KWELI NDUGU
2. NINAMLIYA SUSANA
3. MARASHI YA RIVER ROAD
4. REBECA WANISUMBUWA
5. ANGELIKE TWIST
6. AMINA TWIST
7. KILIMANJARO
8. MAONI YA TWIST
9. MAKARANI WASIJIVUNE
10. KUOWA NI KUZURI
11. HESHIMA YA ZAMANI
12. VIJANA TWIST
13. BIBI MUONGO
14. URAFIKI NIKISHAOWA
JOHN NGEREZA AND LES WANYIKA SAFARI YA SAMBURU CPOLP656 TC £ 0.00
Smashing four track cassette from John Ngereza and top Kenyan group Les Wanyika. The beat pounds on while the harmonious vocals of John and the group swirl around the tinkling guitars and horns. [4T/37M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. SAFARI YA SAMBURU
2. MPENZI RUKIA
3. PENZI HALINA SIRI
4. MASIKITIKO
JOSEPH KARIUKI AND KIARUTARA MWANZO BOYS BAND MUTIKANJIKIE - WIRA NI WIRA KPZC10 TC £ 0.00
Stunning 14 track album which came to me re-recorded from an old cassette before I transfered it to CD-R for my own collection. Just have a listen to the clips.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. MUTIKANJIKIE
2. NJERI MAMA
3. GITIRO KIA MUKA WENE
4. RIMIRA CIANA
5. MWENDWA MARY
6. MINYORORO
7. NDIKWENDA ICERA
8. BABA NJURU
9. MUTHENYA MUNENE
10. NJOHI NI TWANYUIRE
11. NGAI AROMOTEITHIA
12. WANGECI
13. WIRA NI WIRA
14. UTONGA NI MATIGARI MA NDA
KENGE KENGE ORUTU SYSTEM WACHO GITIMO SALCD049 CD £ 0.00
A real throbber of a locally produced album featuring a mainly percussion backing to some very interesting sounding local string and wind instruments. However the boys vocals are up front all the way through.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. AMOLLO.COM
2. AMILO NYAR KOLAL
3. ZAINABU
4. SARAH NYAR KOSELE
5. DR. REGE
6. RAPAR ADEYA ADONGO
KILIMAMBOGO BROTHERS AND KAKAI KILONZO BEST OF KAKAI VOL 1 SHAVACD011-2 CD £ 0.00
KILIMAMBOGO BROTHERS AND KAKAI KILONZO BEST OF KAKAI VOL 2 SHAVACD017 CD £ 0.00
LABAN OCHUKA AND ULINZI BAND SAFARI - HARAMBEE STARS LOMC001 TC £ 0.00
Originally entitled 'Harambee Stars' after a local soccer club and released in 1995 but due to the Club being pretty bloody useless I'm told the cassette nose dived through association! Anyway Laban has re-released it with the same songs in a different order and with a new inlay card and title. Is it any good I hear you ask well if it isn't I'll eat my hat and yours and your friend's as well. Its flamin brilliant, with guitars throbbing and tinkling soukous style all the way and a rock solid dance beat that becomes totally infectious, just try staying still! As if that wasn't enough, the vocals of Laban and the band are pretty hot as well. Definitely recommended - in fact PICK OF THE NEWSLETTER. ( F.T.Index: Nafuma, Ebilemba, Harambee Stars, Mjini Taabu, Liloba, Safari. ) [6T/63M]
Email from Steven Mukenya
14/9/07.
I would like to buy your music,but as I was browsing thru I realized that you have made a comment about Harambee Stars(our Kenyan national football team)being pretty bloody useless(to use your own words).I find this very insulting since I have been an ardent supporter of the team thru thick and thin, like every sports franchise they have their ups and downs,bearing in mind that we do not come to England and insult your teams. Bear in mind that this is Afrikan music that you are selling mostly to the people of Afrika. Kindly remove this statement from your posting. Thanks.
REPLY
Dear Steven
Thank you for your email about the Harambee Stars. Whilst I knew nothing about the team, indeed I didn't even realise they were the National team, I was quite happy to trust and copy the write up given to me by my supplier in Kenya. So your email came as a bit of a surprise as you are the first person to draw my attention to it since it was first posted 12 years ago. However as the album in question was released in the early 1990's (actually dated 1995) it would seem that the quote I have copied from http://kenyapage.net/football/90s.html would indeed back up what my supplier said.
QUOTE
"Kenya thus qualified for the Africa cup of nations in 1992 but it was yet another disaster. As the tournament started, many of the players were apparently unhappy with coach Gerry Saurer and decided to give a lacklusture performance in order to have the coach fired. Saurer was actually a hotelier masquerading as a football coach. He got the job thanks to his close friendship with KFF caretaker chairman, Mathew Adams Karauri. Kenya did not qualify for the tournament again for 12 years."
I think therefore that my write up should stay unaltered.
Laban Ochuka was originally a member of the Maroon Commandos and then joined another army band, the Ulinzi Orchestra. Ochuka died in May 2006.
1. HARAMBEE STARS
2. EBILEMBA/ODONGO
3. NAFUMA
4. MJINI TAABU
5. LILOBA
6. SAFARI
LES MANGALEPA GOLDEN VOICES (NEW RECORDINGS) SALCD043D CDx2 £ 0.00
1 NAIROBI
2 OMARI
3 KIJANA
4 BEBE DE LONDRE
5 KONA KONA
6 JANINE
7 MBUNGU
8 MATHIAS K'OYOO
9 BADILISHA TABIA
10 MANGELEPA
11 MANGELEPA MILLENNIUM
12 LA CONGOLAISE
13 SUZANNA
14 TOSAMBELA NZAMBE
15 JAFAR V
16 MOKALE
17 ZOKE
18 AMIGO
19 MAMA MIA
20 JAMES OSOGO
LES MANGELEPA 1st ANNIVERSARY ALBUM CASLP2004 TC £ 0.00
Tracks ; Embakasa, Maindusa, Mimba, Nyako-Konya plus on my collection CDR Makorokoto Vana Ve Zimbabwe from OM0001

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
LES MANGELEPA 2nd ANIVERSARY ALBUM CASLP2016 TC £ 0.00
More fragrant Zairumba from the group with one of Kenya's sweetest sounds. Singers Kai-Kai, Moustang, Evani and Macky take it in turn to do the vocals on the four songs. The guitar picking is exquisite, the horns heavenly and the singing is simply out of this world. What an album - a guaranteed cracker. ( F.T.Index: Halleluya, Pambana, Walter, Maboko Pamba. ) [4T/M39]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
LES MANGELEPA ENDURANCE RETRO21CD CD £ 0.00
LES MANGELEPA GOLDEN HITS OF.......SHINDANO YA MOTO ASLP956 LP £ 0.00
More Mangelepa magic with Mangelepa Kamili with Tambwe Williams, Kizunguzungu Pt 1 & 2 with Badibanga Kai-Kai, Trouble Pt 1 & 2 with Bwamy Capitaine and last but not least, Sakina with Mukala Coco.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
LES MANGELEPA MADINA CASLP2025 TC £ 0.00
One of Kenya's best Zairumba bands which was formed back in 1975 and has since then been regularly topping the charts except when they got deported for a while in 1985 after making this album. Led by Bwamy Walumona their beautifully played music and vocal harmonies are simply breath taking. The guitar playing is wonderful but it shares top of the bill with a tremendous horn line up that has layer upon layer of brass cascading in all directions. Take a good listen to the title track to see this in all it's glory and while you're at it you'll hear the vocals in English - not roughly put together but masterfully fitted to the music - so suprised on hearing it that I nearly fell out of my seat and I was strapped in at the time! ( F.T.Index:Madina, N'kimba, Kamwala, Lolo Mukena. ) [4T/31M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
LES MANGELEPA MAKOROKOTO VANA VE ZIMBABWE OM0001 12in £ 0.00
Recorded in Zimbabwe at Shed Studios obviously as a tribute to Mr Mugabe and has some cracking guitar play. [2T/12M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
LES MANGELEPA SAFARI YA MANGALEPA CASLP2027 TC £ 0.00
Just blows you away with its sparkling guitar, velvet harmonies and superb horns, what more could you ask for. Extra tracks like Pambana, Halleluya and Maboko Pamba. ( F.T.Index. Safari Ya Mangelepa, Zoao, Harare, Odesia. ) [7T/67M] Tracks 5, 6 & 7 are different recordings from those on CASLP2016

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. SAFARI YA MANGELEPA
2. ZOAO
3. HARARE
4. ODESIA
5. PAMBANA 1 & 2
6. HALLELUYA 1 & 2
7. MABOKO PAMBA 1 & 2
LES MANGELEPA THE AFRICAN STARS COLLECTION Vol. 5 JJLP005 LP £ 0.00
Released on the Jumbo Jet label by Polygram it contains the following tracks: Ole Ole, Amua, Detshu, Dracula. The copy in my own collection also has two tracks from The Riot Continues album released by EMI. Nganga-Kimetu and Ekubuku. The other two tracks on the album - Mangelepa Kamili and Sakina were released as part of the Golden Hits album.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. OLE OLE
2. AMUA
3. DETSHU
4. DRACULA
5. NGANGA-KIMETU
6. EKUBUKU
LES MANGELEPA THE MALAWI TOUR ASLP921 LP £ 0.00
Real magic from the group, twelve strong at this point, which was recorded live on a tour of Malawi back in 1978. Although the applause does sound a bit canned to my ears the music is just wonderful. Their super smooth vocals are enhanced by some wonderfully picked guitar to say nothing of the horns when they breeze in and blow you away. All you have to do to be at the concert is close your eyes and you will be in the best seats in the house. Or at least you would be if you were not up and doing that hot carpet shuffle. Go, Go, Go. ( F.T.Index: Ole Ole, Saad, Malawi Zikomo, Kanemo. ) [4T/37M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. OLE OLE Pt 1 & 2
2. SAAD Pt 1 & 2
3. MALAWI ZIKOMO Pt 1 & 2
4. KANEMO Pt 1 & 2
LINET ALUOCH BABA ZERO EHS2203 CD £ 0.00
LUSENO PAPA JUNIOR THE MOON M - S Vol. VIII LUSENO TC £ 0.00
MAROON COMMANDOS DAWA NIMUONE HANI POLP532 LP £ 0.00
Great music from one of Kenya's most famous bands. This time with Paul Mwandembo and Tuesday Oguro with a track each while Habel Kifoto is on the other two. Pure magic from way back in 1982.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DAWA NIMUONE HANI
2. TUCHEZE SAMBALE
3. DADA MDAKU
4. WAZAZI WAKO WAMENIKATAA
MAROON COMMANDOS GREATEST HITS SALCD060D CDx2 £ 0.00
The greatest hits of one of Kenya's greatest bands. 1. CHARONYI NI WASI
2. TUCHEZE SAMBALE
3. NIWAPO
4. DADA MDAKU
5. SINGHENYI SHESHE
6. DAWA NIMUONE HANI
7. WAZAZI WAKO WAMENIKATAA
8. CHRISTINA
9. RIZIKI
10. WAONA KIJICHO
11. HASIRA NI HASARA
12. LINU NI HARUSI
13. POKEA SALAMU
14. UVIVU MBAYA
MAROON COMMANDOS KENYA UNITE/JOPO LA ANNAN SALCD052 CD £ 0.00
1. JOPO LA ANNAN
2. BINADAMU TUKO SAWA
3. JESHI TUKO IMARA
4. KENYA TEGEMEO
5. KENYA UNITE
6. KENYA NI YETU
7. RESPECT LIFE
8. MZOZANO NI WA NINI
9. TUACHANE NA VITA
10. TUISHI KAMA ZAMANI
MAROON COMMANDOS POKEA SALAMU CPOLP622 TC £ 0.00
The Commandos have been one of Kenya's top bands since their beginning way back in 1970 - yes, 1970 - amazing. Still led by Habel Kifoto and still playing that lovely cool guitar style with solid drums and sparkling horns. Side one is slow and relaxing and will definitely get you in the mood while side two will blow you away with its twinkling guitars, scorching horns and some real sweet vocals. ( F.T.Index: Uyapate, Sighenyi Sheshe, Poke Salamu, Linu Ni Harusi. ) [4T/36M]
MAROON COMMANDOS SHIKA KAMBA SALCD004 CD £ 0.00
MAROON COMMANDOS SHIKAMOO CPOLP628 TC £ 0.00
Four great tracks from one of Kenya's most sought after and famous groups. The vocals are lovely and shine out over the bouncy rumba based music which starts out with a bit of 'get you in the mood' keyboard play while the guitars, sax and drums warm up to come in and provide the finishing touch to some wonderfully danceable guitar music. Not to be missed at any price. (F.T.index: Leonida, Nidhamu, Baba Shikamoo, Bernina. )[4T/36M]
MAROON COMMANDOS USINIAMBIE UNAENDA Pt. 1 AND Pt. 2 KTC004 7in £ 0.00
Have a listen as David Kibe is on top form with his pleading vocals. One ( or a couple ) of my favorite tracks.
Sold out but FREE download available on request on either .wav or .mp3.
1. USINIAMBIE UNAENDA Pt. 1
2. USINIAMBIE UNAENDA Pt. 2
MARY AND ALEX OMINDE NI NANI KAMA YEHOVA EHS2001 CD £ 0.00
When I saw the word - Yehova - in the title I straight away thought Gospel Music like South Africa's Holy Cross Choir, The Holy Spirits and latterly the sound of Rebecca Malope. The answer was yes, it was Gospel, however I wasn't prepared for the beautiful and infectiously joyous sounds that came off my little silver disc. Mary, who has been blind from birth, has truly been blessed with an outstanding voice and with backing vocals and simple but superbly played music from her husband Alex, Abel Amoyi and John Katana they have combined to produce an absolutely heavenly album. I'm not religious but I can't get the catchy sound of Ni Lazima out of my head. There is no F.T.Index as every track is simply just wonderful. [8T/44M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
MIGORI SUPER STARS AND VICTORIA 'A' KINGS SWAHILI SONGS AGSLP001 LP £ 0.00
The first two tracks - Essy and Atiesh come from Victoria and the rest from Migori. Claris Agola, Shem Okeyo, Carren Awiti, Otieno Magadi, Achieng Ochimbo and lastly Isaya Ochieng.
MOMBASA TEACHERS CHOIR MOI TAWALA KENYA ZMZB/1004 TC £ 0.00
MORENO BATAMBA EVERLASTING MEMORIES MORC003 TC £ 0.00
While most tracks are to be found on The Greatest Hits album these are in most cases from different recordings. An absolutely cracking set which makes you wonder why he is still almost unknown outside Kenya.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. VITUKO MAJENGO
2. PILI MSWAHILI
3. UREMBO SI HOJA
4. MALI KWA MALI
5. WAKE ZA WATU
6. ANGELA
7. DUNIA NI DUARA
8. MAPENZI YA MSHUMAA
9. BIBI HARUSI
10. KAZI NI KAZI
11. MAPENZI YA SHIDA
12. SINA WIVU
13. PILI MSWAHILI PT. 2
MORENO BATAMBA NIPE MAPENZI NIPE TC £ 0.00
More great music from one of Kenya's best kept secrets.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. KADOGO
2. MAPENZI NI MAZOEA
3. MANI BUDA
4. OMANDE
5. PILI MTALI
6. NIPE MAPENZI
7. LOSELE
MORENO BATAMBA THE GREATEST HITS OF MOR/C001 TC £ 0.00
A somewhat mono sounding recording taken from old 7 inch singles with plenty of clicks and crackles. However just have a listen to that music and all will be forgiven. Track A7 is a repeat of A2 used as a filler and has been removed from my CDR copy from which the cleaned up sound clips have been taken.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. DUNIA NI DUNIA PT. 1
2. DUNIA NI DUNIA PT. 2
3. BIBI HARUSI PT.1
4. BIBI HARUSI PT 2
5. MWANA DADA PT. 1
6. MWANA DADA PT. 2
7. UREMBO SI HOJA PT. 1
8. UREMBO SI HOJA PT. 2
9. MAPENZI MALI KWA MALI PT. 1
10. MAPENZI MALI KWA MALI PT. 2
11. PILI MSWAHILI PT. 1
12. PILI MSWAHILI PT. 2
MORENO BATAMBA VIDONGE SITAKI MOR/C002 TC £ 0.00
Incredible album that shows why he is still held in such high regard in Kenya.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. VIDONGE SITAKI
2. MAPENZI YA SHIDA Pt.1
3. MAPENZI YA SHIDA Pt.2
4. BI MASHA
5. WANITOA MAPENZI
6. ANGELA
7. BASEKA
8. ADIAMA
NDUKA MASINGU AND L'ORCH MALIKY STARS TESTAMENT TSV05 LP £ 0.00
OCHIENG' NELLY AND VICTORIA ALL STARS INT. KOMALA EXPRESS EHS2002 CD £ 0.00
A beautiful album of sparkling benga guitar music from composer, singer and guitarist Ochieng with help from guitarists Samwel Oyoo on bass and Okeyo on rhythm, singer and drummer Peter Otieno and drummer Sam Kadogo. Ochieng is still going strong at fifty with live performances at Kisumu's Kenyatta Sports Stadium every week. He started his career with Continental Kilo Jazz in 1960 and over the years played with the Victoria Jazz Band, in its many offshoots and with Tausi Jazz before launching Victoria All Stars in 1999. ( F.T.Index: . ) [8T/70M]
OGUTA BOBO OLD IS GOLD OKO003 TC £ 0.00
According to The Rough Guide to World Music - Not much is known about the late Oguta Bobo Otange but that he's a compelling accordion player from among the Luo of western Kenya and his music covered the gamut of topics from serious social commentary to the lighter side of love. I can't add much to that except that I found Oguta's attractive rather gutsy vocals extremely intriguing when backed by the mixed rhythmic metallic and leather percussion and his simple but precise accordion play. While its no dance floor stomper it certainly is a pleasantly infectious sound. Just listen to him steaming through Julias Ouma, now that's what I call style. [10T/40M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. NASHON ABUNGU
2. ODONGO NGORE
3. ADIANG RIMBA
4. EDWARD GOR
5. OMOLO ALANDO
6. C. ONDIGO
7. OGOLA ODUOGO
8. ANDREW MALELA
9. JULIUS OUMA
10. Z. ORATO
OGUTA BOBO RUJINA KALANDO EHS9801 CD £ 0.00
The late Oguta Bobo on CD format with more original recordings crackles and all. The sleeve notes refer to - The use of humour as a tool to deliver subtle but serious messages, or just to make light of otherwise untouchable topics were his hallmark. When Oguta talks of a half-blind person coming across a currency bill along the way and wondering how much better those with full vision must have done, all that can be done is laugh it off. While you can't understand the humour unless you speak Luo you can definiteley appreciate the laid back style of Oguta's gravelley vocals and his wonderful accordion playing set to a beautifully primitive percussion backing. Great stuff. ( F.T.Index: No particular order but Susan, Odero Kongoro, Nelson Owuo and Ongalo Miso are very nice. ) [10T/44M] 1. ALFRED WAMBOGO
2. RUJINA KALANDO
3. ODERO KONGORO
4. LEWNIDA MILAR
5. ONGALO MISO
6. WILLIAM AJENGO
7. SUSAN
8. KOJECHE
9. NELSON OWUO
10. YUAGO ONGORO GUNGA
OMARI SHABANI AND JOHN NGEREZA THE BEST OF... TAM002 TC £ 0.00
When top Kenyan band Simba Wanyika split up in the late 70's the majority of the band led by Omari Shabani and guitarist John Ngereza formed offshoot Les Wanyika. This album contains amongst others their hit tracks Paulina and Pamela. Its crystal clear with lovely guitaring and infectious singing and simply friggin brilliant throughout. Absolute magic miss it at your peril. (F. T.Index in no particular order. Paulina, Pamela, Haki Zetu, Kajituliza Kasuku, Kujenga Nyumba, Ufukara Sio Kilema. ) [6T/57M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. PAULINA - OMARI SHABANI
2. PAMELA - OMARI SHABANI
3. HAKI ZETU - JOHN NGEREZA
4. KAJITULIZA KASUKU - OMARI SHABANI
5. KUJENGA NYUMBA - OMARI SHABANI
6. UFUKARA SIO KILEMA - JOHN NGEREZA
ORCHESTRA SUPER MAZEMBE GIANTS OF EAST AFRICA STEW45CD CD £ 0.00
The band is composed of Zairian musicians who relocated to Kenya in the 1970s and became stars in East Africa over the following few years. The collection is pure magic and has been culled from four early '80s LPs and is a wonderful display of East African guitar pop mixed with Zairian rhumba. 1. KASSONGO
2. SAMBA
3. JIJI
4. GINA
5. MUKALA MUSI
6. MBANDA YA MOBANGE
7. SHAURI YAKO
8. LUKASI
9. LOBOKO
10. BAMAMA
11. LONGWA
ORCHESTRA SUPER MAZEMBE HITS OF MAZEMBE VOL 4 ZEMAC4 TC £ 0.00
A lovely set of tracks taken from both sides of four 7in records with a total play time of 37 minutes.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. MOKANA Pts. 1 & 2
2. NDEKO Pts. 1 & 2
3. ILENA Pts. 1 & 2
4. YO-MABE Pts. 1 & 2
ORCHESTRA SUPER MAZEMBE KAIVASKA 205340 LP £ 10.00
Recorded at C and S Studio in Nairobi but released in Europe on LP by Virgin with the following tracks. Mbanda Ya Mobange (Longwa), Kassongo (Katele), Jiji (Tabu Ley Arr. Mazembe), Nanga (Lovy), Bamama (Kassongo We Kanema/Majo), Samba (Katele), Malaba D'amour (Music Buddy Holly/Words Kassongo), Mokano (Lovy), Mwana Nyiau (Lobe). Five of the tracks are to be found on the Earth Works release Super Mazembe - Giants of East Africa CD although they differ quite markedly in length from the originals on the LP. [9T/38M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. MBANDA YA MOBANGE
2. KASSANGO
3. JI JI
4. NANGA
5. BAMANA
6. SAMBA
7. MALABA D'AMOUR
8. MOKANA
9. MWANA NYIAU
ORCHESTRA SUPER MAZEMBE MALOBA D'AMOUR AFRIZZ007 TC £ 0.00
During the 1980s with various line-ups of Zairean musicians the group Mazembe which means earth movers were one of the most popular bands in Kenya. They came to Kenya in the 70s from their home country of Zaire. This Kenyan cassette was released in the UK in 1990 on CD with the addition of their hit track Shauri Yako.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. KASSONGO
2. NABINAKATE
3. MALOBA D'AMOUR
4. SALIMA Pts. 1 & 2
5. SAMBA Pts. 1 & 2
6. MWANA NYIAU Pts. 1 & 2
ORCHESTRA SUPER MAZEMBE SHAURI YAKO - PEPEPE ET001(12) 12in £ 0.00
Mazembe means 'The Earth Movers' and they certainly did with this internationaly renowned version of a Kenyan classic by Guashi Ntembo which they released in 1984. [2T/18M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
ORCHESTRA SUPER MAZEMBE WABE-ABA EMALP LP £ 0.00


ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
ORCHESTRE LES WANYIKA NEW DANCE LES LES CASLP2001 TC £ 0.00
OSITO KALLE AND ORCH' NABI KINGS ASEMBO PINY MABER EHS2301 CD £ 0.00
PAUL ORWA JASOLO AND CONNECTION BAND NYAKACH HEROES EHS2602 CD £ 0.00
Second release from one of the old masters of Benga. Soft vocals, a solid beat and great guitaring complete the picture. 1. SIMON OKOTH
2. NYAKACH HEROES
3. JAMES AGWANDA
4. THUM JOKA LE
5. JOHN NYUNJA WAGA
6. OKWACH ABAGI No.2
7. PESA ORUMO
PAUL ORWA JASOLO AND CONNECTION BAND OSIEPE EHS2102 CD £ 0.00
PETER KIGIA AND THE CHANIA RIVER BOYS REKE TUMANWO ESTHERC/03 TC £ 0.00
PRINCE JULLY PRINCE JULLY'S LATEST HITS JULLY4 TC £ 0.00
Prince Jully and his band The Jolly Boys play some real ripping benga style guitar while the throbbing bass and snare rhythm of the drummer keeps everybody on their toes. The band's vocal harmonies are superb as they sweetly sing their way through a great set of tracks. Surprisingly the singing gets even better when the unnamed girl vocalist joins in or even takes over the lead like on the hip swiveling hits Dunia Mbaya and Amayo Pt. 2. If you like your guitar raw and tinkling then this is going to be just up your street. (F. T.Index Dunia Mbaya, Anderekos Otieno, Amayo Pt. 2, Rapar Mesiah, Pamela Atieno, Dunia Mbaya Pt. 2, Akinyi Grace, Balmun Otwol, Molly, Asali, Amayo Charles. ) [11T/60M]
QUEEN JANE NDIMUNOGU HOKO9309 TC £ 0.00
Jane Nyambura has become the top female Kikuyu pop star with a bit of help from four of her brothers and sisters and I might add with very good reason. Their shrill vocals are beautifully sung in the traditional folklore style to a stunning backing of sparkling benga style guitars with the beat coming from both the bass guitar and the simple percussion. A guaranteed tootsie tapper which will have you skipping round your lounge like a impalla on speed, be warned its infectious! (F.T.index: Mathiko Ma Baba, Konman, Wendo Ndwonjaga, Nduraga Ngweterire, Njuku, Kandogo, Ningwendete, Ndimunogu, Kienjeku, Karema Hiti, Kunjoera Nindarega, Uiru. )[12T/62M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. NDIMUNOGU
2. NDURAGA NGWETEREIRE
3. NJUKU
4. MATHIKO MA BABA
5. WENDO NDWONJAGA
6. KAREMA HITI
7. UIRU
8. KUNJOERA NINDAREGA
9. KANDOGO
10. NINGWENDETE
11. KONMAN
12. KIENJEKU
QUEEN MASHIE KARE KARE SALCD058 CD £ 0.00
After many years as a back up vocalist for Oliver Mtukudzi and other great musicians, Zimbabwe born Sandra Mashiringo has finally found her soul as a solo artiste after moving to Kenya in 2006. Queen Mashie, as she is now known, weaves the popular Zimbabwean Chimurenga with elements of East African Benga and Rumba in a great dance music fusion. She is also one of the few female artistes who can play the mbira and is also adept at shakers and congas too. 1. GONA RINORAPA
2. FREEDOM
3. AFRICAN BEAT
4. NDOENDA
5. NGIZOBUYA
6. PHD
7. NDIRI BOFU
8. MAMA AFRIKA
9. KARE KARE
10. INCHI KOMBO
11. KUMAFARO
12. BASA RANGU
13. NDIPE NDIKUPE
RUZIKA OKERA JAMBO MAMA JAMBO BABA CCD8 CD £ 0.00
U.K. based East African sound.
SAMBA MAPANGALA AND ORCH' VIRUNGA FEET ON FIRE STCD1036 CD £ 0.00
SAMBA MAPANGALA AND ORCH' VIRUNGA VIRUNGA VOLCANO CDEWV16 CD £ 0.00
SAMBA MAPANGALA AND ORCH. VIRUNGA MABIALA EDVLP01 LP £ 0.00
Wow! This is the sort of music I just love to bits. Original rumba hits of the 70's and 80's from one of Kenya's most sought after and popular bands. Wonderful vocal harmonies from Samba and the crew, guitars going mad bouncing riffs in all directions and horns adding a profusion of brassy flourishes to say nothing of the snare driven sebens. Absolute heaven all the way. ( F.T.Index. Kimotho, Betty, Mabiala, Rama. ) [4T/38M] Was later released on cassette as Mabiala - Betty

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. MABIALA
2. BETTY
3. KIMOTHO
4. RAMA
SAMBA MAPANGALA AND ORCH. VIRUNGA MABIALA - BETTY CASLP2037 TC £ 0.00
Wow! This is the sort of music I just love to bits. Original rumba hits of the 70's and 80's from one of Kenya's most sought after and popular bands. Wonderful vocal harmonies from Samba and the crew, guitars going mad bouncing riffs in all directions and horns adding a profusion of brassy flourishes to say nothing of the snare driven sebens. Absolute heaven all the way. ( F.T.Index. Kimotho, Betty, Mabiala, Rama. ) [4T/38M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. MABIALA
2. BETTY
3. KIMOTHO
4. RAMA
SAMBA MAPANGALA AND ORCH. VIRUNGA VIRUNGA ROOTS VOLUME 1 (1988/1989) VS001 CD £ 0.00
SAMBA MAPANGALA AND ORCHESTRA VIRUNGA UJUMBE STEW43CD CD £ 0.00
Soaring soulful vocals, tight sax riffs and the sweetest rumba guitar licks are the hallmarks of Samba and Orchestra Virunga. Just listen to Siri and Dunia Tuna Pita. Also check out their first ever acoustic track Muniache. Samba, who now lives in the U.S.A. co-produced the album in Paris with Bopol Mansiamina, who also plays rhythm guitar. Fiery stuff.
SAMBA MAPANGALA AND VIRUNGA SONG AND DANCE VR002 CD £ 0.00
SAMMY KASULE MUZIKI CBS40022 TC £ 0.00
Modern and quite melodic offering features softly played guitar with drum/keyboard backing and sweet vocals from Sammy. [6T/36+M]
SAMMY MURAYA AND SUBUKIA SUCCESS MUHIKI MUTHAKA - SALOME SAM7 TC £ 0.00
Modern Kenyan music with a very African feel to it. Sammy is one of the biggest stars in central Kenya and with very good reason. The deceptively simple guitar work is not as full of fireworks as maybe Diblo or Rigo but it doesn't half keep your tootsies tapping and the songs chugging along. I'm told that this tape can be heard in just about every bus station or hotel bar in central Kenya, which must say more than I can about it. A definite cracker. (F.T.Index: Salome first because of its catchy lyrics and then you can take your pick. They're all wonderful) [12T/60M]
SHAKILA AND LUCKY STAR MUSICAL CLUB THE BEST OF SHAKILA SLC001 TC £ 0.00
Time to dig out your copy of Nyota the album of classic taarab recordings and listen to Chozi Lanitoka as this is the only track that appears on this album. Brilliant throughout and all in the same vein. ( F.T.Index: . ) [13T/M]
SHAMA SHAMA GREATEST HITS CASLP2028 TC £ 0.00
Features the following tracks: Mopa Zoba - (Mopero), Mama Aye - (Mopero), Kemto Emancipee - (Mopero), Basaleli Ngai Likita - (Mopero), Pamphi - (Yeampy) and my favourite, the stunning Banga Ya Moto - (Mambo Ley)

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
SIMBA WANYIKA MBERE YA MUNGU CPOLP1026 TC £ 0.00
Their superb vocals are crystal clear and with backing from guitars that really can sing, a heavenly horn section that must have turned the Angel Gabriel green with envy and a drummer who's so infectiously toe tapping that I'm starting to wear big holes in my office carpet, what else can you say about Simba Wanyika except - Pure Magic. ( F.T.Index: Punguza Papara Zako, Pesa Ni Taabu Sana, Pamela, Mbere Ya Mungu, Leka Ulole. ) [5T/39M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
SIMBA WANYIKA PEPEA KMLNCD01 CD £ 0.00
The Lions of the Wilderness recorded this album in Holland in 1991 at Studio PARS with extra guitar and percussion being added later. The tracks are Mwongele, Wenzako, Pamela, Sikujua Utabadilika, Nakupenda Cherie, Pole Pole and Maria. All of them had been released before but had changed greatly over the 20 years since the group had been formed originally as Arusha Jazz, a town in Tanzania where they were staying before they moved to Kenya.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
SIMBA WANYIKA PEPEA KMLNMC01 TC £ 0.00
SIMBA WANYIKA SHILLINGI MAUA TENA YAUA CASLP2014 TC £ 0.00
Four tracks and 37 minutes of pure magic. Shillingi, Mpenzi Rejea, Wana Wanyika and last but not least, Mwana Sikia.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
SIMBA WANYIKA - WILSON P. KINYONGA MAPENZI NI DAMU CPOLP572 TC £ 0.00
SIMBA WANYIKA ORIGINAL KENYA VOL. I AMG003 LP £ 25.00
Four tracks and nearly forty minutes of pure heaven. Released way back in 1988, it was an instant classic. Gorgeous vocals from Wilson Peter Kinyonga backed by the rest of the band float over the lovely drumming of Michael Mwita and Tuwail's saxophone displays. However, it is the guitars that steal the show with a glittering display that is hard to beat from anywhere in Africa.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. BABA ASIYA
2. MARCELINE #2
3. TUSHIRIKIANE
4. HASIRA HASARA
SITIMA NYATIKE JATUKA - NYAKO MATAR OM001 TC £ 0.00
A great, if a tiny bit murky album of traditional music from Western Kenya. It contains a very up tempo set of tracks played on the orutu - a one string fiddle, a traditional flute and a cow horn that sounds more like a didgeridoo plus some thudding drums, all of which makes for a cracking album. The words are praise singing but Panga Uzazi is not about individuals but refers to the benefits of Family Planning while Nyako Matar scolds women who don't keep up their appearances. A definite thumbs up from me for this trance inducing throbber. (F.T.Index: Mburi Akondo, Aeso, Jatuka, Nyako Matar, Panga Uzazi, Aumbere.) [6T/30M]
SUKUMA BIN ONGARO AND SUKU JAZZ SUKUMA YATIRWA ISEC16 TC £ 0.00
SUPER MAZEMBE GREATEST HITS REMIX (RE-RECORDINGS) SALCD042 CD £ 0.00
1. NANGA
2. MWANA MAZEMBE
3. ATIA JO
4. MOKANO
5. SALIMA
6. NABIMAKA TE
7. KASONGO
8. SAMBA
9. ASIRA
10. KAMBELE MBELE
SUPER SUPER MAMBO JAZZ TANGO YA BOMWANA 741105 LP £ 0.00
THE VICTORIA KINGS THE MIGHTY KINGS OF BENGA CDORBD079 CD £ 0.00
A collection of 14 classic tracks from the zinging guitars of western Kenya's top benga music band.
TOM KODIYO AND METRO DUMBE DUMBE GEORGE RAMOGI Vol. 1 EHS2204 CD £ 0.00
UNKNOWN ZEIN 11 ZEIN TC £ 0.00
VARIOUS ARTISTS 20 BEST OF EAST AFRICA 1950's ZILVOL1 TC £ 0.00
Early pre - benga collection of wonderful Swahili style guitar playing and with some gorgeous singing as well - oh, and don't forget that simple shake, rattle and roll percussion that gives it a touch of real grooving atmosphere. An absolute classic and a must for East African guitar lovers and a real shame it doesn't say who the artists are! (Track List) Nampenda Jane, Jerida Mpenzi, Asiyependa Shule, Makarani, Bibi Mzuri, Masumbuko Wangu, Kazaliwa Wawili, Mbele Hujaoa, Kibera, Umasikini, Julieta, Kenya Yawaka Moto, Usidhalau Bibi, Tina Wangu, Marafiki Wengine, Vijana Mnayesoma, Reuben Ochieng, Asante, Ayuma Nakupenda, Bibi Si Kitu. [20T/60M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO ZILVOL1 Track.Bibi Mzuri
VARIOUS ARTISTS A SELECTION OF YOUR FAVOURITE SONGS CPOLP1005 TC £ 0.00
VARIOUS ARTISTS BEFORE BENGA - KENYA DRY OMCD021 CD £ 0.00
VARIOUS ARTISTS BEST OF KIKUYU HITS KSC016 TC £ 0.00
Superb compilation which features hits from the likes of C. D. M. Kiratu - 4, James Wahome - 1, Nderito Munene - 1, Joseph Kananda - 1, Joseph Wang'ombe - 1, Moses Wanyoike - 1 and Joseph Sila - 2. So varied is the music its impossible to generalise but snippets from my write-up notes may convey the message like: Fragrant guitar with a great seben - Hard edged distorted guitar with solid drumming and weird but very likeable vocals - Twangy little belter with magically strident vocals - Brilliant racy drum driven singalong with cow bells and slide guitar - Simply sweetly melodic - Hipshakin throbber. If those descriptions don't wet your appetite then you just don't know what you're missing! ( F.T.Index: but not in any order as they are all great. Kaba Kunuka, Ndigetikia Ninii, Kai Utari Thoni, Ihua Ria Rose, Mwendwa Eliza, Ona Wethamba, Muirtu Wa Gikuyu, Nindoka Unyone, Mwendwa Jane, Yonagirria Kayo, Thina Ti Kironda. ) [11T/62M]
VARIOUS ARTISTS EDITIONS CHRIS Vol. 1 ECV1 TC £ 0.00
Kiwiro boys band (Kambate) with Prof. Otonde Kajonyo backed by Okatch Biggy Dolla and Bana Kadory (Mawa) with Safan Juma.
VARIOUS ARTISTS EDITIONS CHRIS Vol. 3 ECV3 TC £ 0.00
Another compilation album from the Chris Music Store in Nairobi with another five complete 7inch singles. Recorded from vinyl and with side A having virtually no volume on the left channel for most of the last 3 songs. Also there is a good bit of crackle and background hum and hiss. Beautiful songs when cleaned up though. [10T/49M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. MAYOPA - PT. 1
2. MAYOPA - PT. 2
3. COUNCILLOR - PT. 1
4. COUNCILLOR - PT. 2
5. ROSSY MARRIE - PT. 1
6. ROSSY MARRIE - PT. 2
7. MWANA KISUMU - PT. 1
8. MWANA KISUMU - PT. 2
9. VIVA CHRISTMAS - PT. 1
10. VIVA CHRISTMAS - PT. 2
The singers and bands in order are: SAMBA MAPANGALA - (ORCHESTRA VIRUNGA), KAYEMBE NYONGA - (SUPER BWAMBE), LONGWA DIDOS - (SUPER MAZEMBE), LOVY LONGOMA - (SUPER LOVY), KASONGO WA KANEMA - (MASSIMA LA MUSICA).
VARIOUS ARTISTS GUITAR PARADISE OF EAST AFRICA CDEWV21 CD £ 0.00


ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
VARIOUS ARTISTS HITS FROM KENYA SP2095 LP £ 0.00
1. JIM ANYUOR - VICTORIA JAZZ BAND
2. PETER MENYA - TOYOTA JAZZ BAND
3. CRESTINA ODIRA No. 2 - SHIRATI LUO VOICE JAZZ BAND
4. M. OCHOCHI - MORI RIVER JAZZ BAND
5. ALEX MBOTO - ORCHESTRE SEGA SEGA
6. NASHON GOGI No. 2 - ORCHESTRE D.O.7 SHIRATI JAZZ
7. P.OLUOCH KANINDO - MORI RIVER JAZZ BAND
8. PETER OGEMBO - EASTERN K. JAZZ BAND
9. LADY HULDA - INTERNATIONAL DE NELLY
10. JOHN NYANGORO - SHIRATI LUO VOICE JAZZ BAND
11. J. ONYANGO - KENDU JAZZ BAND
12. DAMA SIBUOR - VICTORIA JAZZ BAND
VARIOUS ARTISTS KENYA DANCE MANIA STEW24CD CD £ 0.00
VARIOUS ARTISTS KENYA PARTOUT! Vol. 2 SP2085 LP £ 0.00
Lovely compilation from old 7 inch single by Victoria Jazz Band, DO 7 Band and International De Nelly. 1. SUZANA OKARINDA
2. S. OMARI KAMAJA
3. OGOLO J. RAJEIV
4. J.M. AND T.J.
5. ROSE RABBY
6. WILLIAM OMOLO
7.NGIMA PINY No. 3
8. M. OGADA
9. JOHN OUKE
10. S. OGIRO

TRACK DETAILS;
1, 3, 5, 6 and 9 by VICTORIA JAZZ BAND
2, 4, 8 and 10 by DO 7 BAND
7 by INTERNATIONAL DE NELLY
VARIOUS ARTISTS KIKUYU FOLK SONGS - ADULTS ONLY Vol. 2 C/S184 TC £ 0.00
Folk songs for adults? If you speak the lingo I'm told it's almost a Kikuyu Kama Sutra set to music. More importantly it is great to listen too even if you do miss out on the translation of the juicy bits. Great vocals from the guy leading the call and response style singing from the big mixed chorus (probably Joseph Kamaru). The leading lady is also outstanding as she powers out the replies from the girls side. My friend, Don, says she's definitely not shy and she can chase him anytime - the mind boggles! Musically it has some gorgeous soft tinkling benga guitars with mixed drums and a pinch of sweetly played flute to provide the atmospheric background as the sexy tales unfold. ( F.T.Index: Kindu Kai Munai, Huul Wainaga, Muthunguci Pt 5 to name but a few from this great album. ) [16T/60M]
VARIOUS ARTISTS LUO TRADITIONAL NYATITI - 6 IN 1 JOJC01 TC £ 0.00
The title describes exactly what is inside but the music drawn from six famous players is first class with the nyatiti playing nothing short of low down funky! The accompaniment comes from the players ankle rattles or gara and the oduong which is a metal ring worn on the big toe and hit against any handy box. Definite shades of John Lee Hooker there! The album is mostly praise singing and Gor Mahia F.C. who are celebrated in one song are a particularly famous but not very good football team from the area while Agunda Jamba was a famous warrior. [12T/40M] ( A Nyatiti for those who are wondering is a type of 8 stringed harp)
VARIOUS ARTISTS MARASHI YA RIVER ROAD AGS/C2010 TC £ 0.00
'The Perfume of the River Road' is a compilation that gives a good representation of a more modern approach to traditional Kenyan sounds. The tape itself has not been recorded as carefully as we would expect over here so it will have the VU meters of your tape deck reaching the red zones that have been untouched since Tai Sackho Vol. 1 ! However the music is quite gentle and it sounds only a touch muffled with Dolby 'B' switched on. The music is a very fragrant mix of dry and amplified guitar which although sounding very simple is, I'm informed, very deceptive and difficult to emulate. Look out for the fanta bottle percussion and the penny whistle which is wonderful. It would also seem that when this album was made the twist was popular in Kenya! ( F.T.Index: Eshima Ya Zamani, Kweli Ndungu, Kuowa Ni Kuzuri, Angelike Twist. ) [14T/40M]
VARIOUS ARTISTS OMUTIBO CPOLP1023 TC £ 0.00
VARIOUS ARTISTS SAFARI SOUVENIR Vol. 1 POLP301 LP £ 25.00
Greatest hits of East Africa, just as the cover says. 1. MALAIKA - FADHILI WILLIAM
2. JAMBO JAMBO - SUGAR BUS
3. POLE MUSA - NASHIL PICHEN AND PETER TSOTSI
4. AFRICA - FRANKLIN BOUKAKA
5. MWANA - BLACK BLOOD A.I.E.
6. TAXI DRIVER - FADHILI WILLIAM
7. MAISHA MAREFU - THEM MUSHROOMS
8. KENYA SAFARI - SAFARI SOUND
9. SOWETO'S VOICE - BAKAMBI N'KELA
10. KWAHERI BWANA - DAUDI KABAKA
VARIOUS ARTISTS SAFARI SOUVENIR Vol. 2 SSLP002 LP £ 0.00
More hits from East Africa. 1. KENYA HAKUNA MATATA - THEM MUSHROOMS
2. BONDE KWA BONDE - THEM MUSHROOMS
3. SAFARI KILIMANJARO - JOHN ONDOLO
4. ASHANTE - JOHN ONDOLO
5. NIGHT IN NAIROBI - BOZUWA
6. SOWETO'S VOICE - BAKAMBI N'KELA
7. HANDS ON MY HEART - BOZUWA
8. KILIMANJARO - BAKAMBI N'KELA
9. WEWE BWANA - BAKAMBI N'KELA
10. MATESO - THEM MUSHROOMS
11. MOMBASA - THEM MUSHROOMS
VARIOUS ARTISTS SAFARI SOUVENIR VOL. 5 POLP305 LP £ 0.00
VARIOUS ARTISTS SAFARI SOUVENIR Vol. 8 POLP308 LP £ 0.00
More greatest hits of East Africa. 1. MAMA LEA MTORO - SAFARI SOUND BAND
2. MATESO - THEM MUSHROOMS
3. KARIBUNI NAIROBI - MAROON COMMANDOS
4. DISCO CHAKACHA - MOMBASA ROOTS
5. TWENDE SAFARI - PEACEMAKERS BAND
6. HARUSI - FOREST PEOPLE BAND
7. POLE POLE - SAFARI SOUND BAND
VARIOUS ARTISTS SONGA MBELE - KENYAN CLASSICS Vol 2 SO3 TC £ 0.00
The second album from 'SONGA', a little gem with complete singles from Orch' Shika Shika, Orch' Wela Wela, Francis Danger and Prince Njeru. Definitely RECOMMENDED.

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
VARIOUS ARTISTS SPOTLIGHT ON KENYAN MUSIC EUCD2030 CD £ 0.00
Fourteen tracks and 75 minutes of modern Kenyan music from a variety of artists. A real collaboration here between AIT Records in Kenya with help from EMI and Alliance Francaise de Nairobi, Kenya's Department of Culture and the artists on track 14. Together they put together the Spotlight on Kenya music competition and here we see the winners. All the tracks are very good but Juma Abdulla's Sukari is my favorite. 1. IMBUKULU - (Jackson Ingosi)
2. MAMA - (George Mutinda)
3. NDIHOLE SHINA - (Abuti Mkoko)
4. NYA NAIROBI - (Makadem)
5. MAMA KAMBO - (Monica Ng'ang'a)
6. MAISHA YAO - (Hannah Wakesho)
7. MTEMA KUNI - (Alai K)
8. PAMBAZUKA AFRICA - (Abuti Mkoko)
9. SUKARI - (Juma Abdalla)
10. VALA VANDU - (George Mutinda)
11. YATIMA - (Peter Wambugu)
12. ZION AWAY - (Lwanda Magere)
13. AFRIKA - (Michel Ongaro)
14. WAKATI NI SASA - (Achien'g Abura, Suzzana Owiyo, Suzanne Kibukosya, John Katana, Gabriel Omondi and Tabu Osusa)
VARIOUS ARTISTS SWAHILI HITS Vol. 4 CPOLP1004 TC £ 0.00
VARIOUS ARTISTS TARABU MUSIC SM1520-2 CD £ 0.00
A modern album that still retains the essential serenity and throb of traditional taarab music from the singing Queen of the Indian Ocean coast - Malika. She is accompanied by dharabouka drummers Muhaji and Al-Abdi, organist Wamasha and bass guitarist Mzamin. A beautiful set of tracks that I could listen to every day and never get bored with. Even tracks 8 and 9 where taarab meet samba (yes samba that South American thing) head on are just great. Modern Taarab at its inovative best. (10T/59M)
VARIOUS ARTISTS THE NAIROBI BEAT ROUCD5030 CD £ 0.00


ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
VARIOUS ARTISTS - ZILIZOPENDWA TWIST AND TWIST AGAIN CPOLP2003 TC £ 0.00
Imagine it's the late 50's early 60's and Kenya is echoing to the sound of the twist.... The what..... the twist, yes the same as made famous by Chubby Checker, but mind you, there is a bit of a difference. When it got over to Africa they didn't have much in the way of drum kits so they improvised as only Africa can with some lovely, if basic, percussion which literally shakes, rattles and rolls along. The super sweet vocals, almost barber shop in style, are accompanied by some smashing guitar picking. Not to be missed. The 12 tracks were actually 15 and they weren't in the right order anyway! [15T/41M]

ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
1. KONDAKTA
2. WEE MWATUMA
3. MULOFA YANGU
4. ARUSI YANGU
5. SOFIA TWIST
6. UGONJWA WA MAPENZI
7. KENYA YA LEO
8. NJAGALA TWIST
9. SIKUTI TWIST
10. ADUI YAKO
11. MY BROWN GIRL
12. HAKUNA MWINGINE
13. HADIJA NGAWA
14. NAKWENDA CONGO
15. HARAMBEE HARAMBEE
VICTORIA B KINGS BAND WITH COLLELA MAZEE JESSICA EHS2401 CD £ 0.00
The first in a series of catchy and unique benga style music CDs from the late Collela Mazee spanning most of his musical career. Richard Owino, aka Collela Mazee, was born in 1951 at Gem Aluor, Kenya and two year after graduating in 1969 he joined the late Ochieng Nelly's Victoria Jazz. About a year later, the band split up and most of the musicians went their separate ways. Three members, Okeyo Achayo, Opiyo Bwana Emma and Collela continued and joined with Peter Saoke, Otonde Kajonyo, Odongo Agwata, John Oyona and Wilson Toto Misiani. Collela later realised he had lost the autonomy over his own recordings and decided to originate his own company - Oula Recording Company. Some band members did not like the idea and opted out. The remaining members renamed the band Victoria B. The departed members formed Victoria C. The year was 1979. Victoria B continued to record with Colly at the helm. Unfortunately, Collela passed away on the 7th of March 2000 having composed in excess of 300 songs. Collela's sons now carry on their father's legacy. Fans of Collela Mazee and benga music will find this CD compelling in its originality and refreshing in its grounding in the real benga. Tracks: Nyar Kanan, Abonya Okamba, Piny En Mano, Jessica, Akech Pammy, Wasung Hera, Benta Bi Ika, Gar Maka Ogaga and J. Tam Agan Kawere.
VICTORIA JAZZ BAND VICTORIA JAZZ BAND - 71 741104 LP £ 0.00
1. P.OTIENO
2. MAGI NYAR GI JOHN
3. CHARLES JAKABWNA
4. O.JOHANA
5. DORRY
6. WARIEBA MIRUKA
7. T.ODERA
8. OYAWORE JULY
9. OJWANDO JAKADEM
10. YESU JA WAR
11. JANNY JABER
12. PONGESI KWA VICTORIA
WAMBALI KAVALUVULU JUMP003 TC £ 0.00
ZEIN L'ABDIN THE SWAHILI SONG BOOK - OUD MASTER DIZIM4502-2 CD £ 0.00
ZUHURA SWALEH AND MAULIDI MUSICAL PARTY JINO LA PEMBE CDORBD075 CD £ 0.00




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