Below is an overview
of our projects
Benga Blues
Benga Blues is the debut solo album by Ketebul Music’s singing, songwriting sensation, Winyo. Released in Europe during his Equation Musique tour of 2011, Benga Blues is set for it’s grand release in October of 2011. The album is already...
Retracing Kenya’s Funky Hits
The years after independence in 1963 were great times in Nairobi. The city throbbed to the beats of live bands, which played at venues like The Starlight Club. At least 12, 000 patrons went through the doors of The Starlight Club every month. Nairobi acquired the status of ‘The Entertainment Capital of East Africa.’ The Funk era had its fair share of colorful characters. From the feverish dancing of Steele Beauttah to the “hair-raising’ flamboyance of Kelly Brown. Although Sal Davis may well be regarded as Kenya’s first show business celebrity and went on to mentor musicians like The Ashantis. The Funk movement flourished in Kenya for the better part of the 1970s until the arrival of the disco spelt the end for many of the bands. Radio was a major player in the promotion of Funk with the musical trends in the country shaped by what the Voice of Kenya DJs played on air. Find out why crowds of music lovers, usually teenagers, packed the daytime weekend dances known as ‘boogies’ and why the Authorities became jittery over these events. The Retracing Kenyan Music series continues with this package containing a documentary of the highlights of Kenya’s Funk movement. The CD is an audio collection of the biggest hits from the stars of the day like Slim Ali and The Hodi Boys, Air Fiesta Matata to the Mighty Cavaliers. Read More...
Retracing Kenya’s Songs of Protest
The pursuit of freedom the world over has always been complemented by music. Sometimes, the music has defined the cause, ignited the public’s demand for progressive change and crystallized the ideology of the movement for reform. At other times, the...
Retracing Kikuyu Popular Music
What are the roots of Mugithi? Why did Gospel music become such a big part of Kikuyu popular music? Is it true that there is a Jim Reeves, Don Williams or Kenny Rodgers cassette in the home of every music-loving...
Retracing the Benga Rhythm
This commemorative package makes a bold journey into Kenya’s musical past. The booklet, audio CD and documentary DVD trace the roots of Benga music which is arguably the most distinctive sound to have come out of Kenya’s 70 years of...
The Singing Wells
A project in partnership with Abubilla Music - preserving East Africa’s cultural music heritage now and for the future.
