The Luo of Kenya

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Album Description

This album features a selection of the music recorded as part of the Singing Wells trip to record the Music of the Luo in Western Kenya.

The album begins in Rang’ala village – with The Sega Sega band led by Osumba Rateng, and then a Dodo group led by Ogoya Nengo. We next move to Aluny Village – with performances from The Joginda Boys, Otieno Aloka and the late Okumu K’Orengo and his Nyatiti Group. The Kochia Traditional Dancers gave a very visual performance, and one of their tracks, recorded on the shores of Lake Victoria at the Homa Bay Hotel is also included. The final day of recording on the trip saw us head to Rongo – and the settings of Dinky’s Resort Club. The Otacho Young stars, whose image graces the album cover, are featured, as are the Kanindi Jazz Band and Josey Kokeo, performing a special collaboration.

As an added extra, also on the album are ‘influences tracks’, recorded in the field. Ketebul Music artist Winyo collaborated during the recording sessions, and included is his work with Ogoya Nengo, Josey Kokeo (as noted above) and The Kochia Traditional Dancers.

In March 2012, we invited the Otacho Young Stars to Nairobi to record in the Ketebul Music studios. The track ‘Mr Manager’ – an ode to the manager of a plantation, was first heard on the session at Dinky’s Resort Club, but the version included is that from the Nairobi Ketebul sessions.

Track information

  1. Sega Sega Band - Flora

    Recording Location – Rang'ala Village, Nyanza, Kenya, 28th November 2011
    Recorded by Jesse Bukindu, mixed by Andy Patterson

  2. Ogoya Nengo - Wendi Berna

    Recording Location – Rang'ala Village, Nyanza, Kenya, 28th November 2011
    Recorded by Jesse Bukindu, mixed by Andy Patterson

  3. The Joginda Boys - Omonid Kodhiambo

    Recording Location – Aluny Village, Nyanza, Kenya, 29th November 2011
    Recorded by Willie Gachuche, mixed by Andy Patterson

  4. Otieno Aloka - Nyar Karapul

    Recording Location – Aluny Village, Nyanza, Kenya, 29th November 2011
    Recorded by Jesse Bukindu, mixed by Andy Patterson

  5. Nyatiti Group - Ywak

    Recording Location – Aluny Village, Nyanza, Kenya, 29th November 2011
    Recorded by Steve Kivutia, Mixed by Andy Patterson

  6. The Kochia Traditional Dancers - Agwambo

    Recording Location – Homa Bay Hotel, Nyanza, Kenya, 30th November 2011
    Recorded by Steve Kivutia, Mixed by Andy Patterson

  7. The Otacho Young Stars - Jim Owino Soldier

    Recording Location – Dinky's Resort Club, Rongo, Kenya, 1st December 2011
    Recorded by Willie Gachuche, mixed by Andy Patterson

  8. The Kanindi Jazz Band - Ongango Mayor

    Recording Location – Dinky's Resort Club, Rongo, Kenya, 1st December 2011
    Recorded by Willie Gachuche, mixed by Andy Patterson

  9. Josey Kokeo and Winyo - Oginga Ajuma

    Recording Location – Dinky's Resort Club, Rongo, Kenya, 1st December 2011
    Recorded by Willie Gachuche, mixed by Andy Patterson

  10. Ogoya Nengo and Winyo - Pod Akia

    Recording Location – Rang'ala Village, Nyanza, Kenya, 28th November 2011
    Recorded by Jesse Bukindu, mixed by Andy Patterson

  11. The Kochia Traditional Dancers and Winyo - Ramogi

    Recording Location – Homa Bay Hotel, Nyanza, Kenya, 30th November 2011
    Recorded by Steve Kivutia, mixed by Andy Patterson