February 13, 2025

KMCKrell

Taste the Home & Environment

Exactly where it all started: Les Wanyika tends to make grand return to Backyard garden Square

Exactly where it all started: Les Wanyika tends to make grand return to Backyard garden Square

Immediately after much more than 4 many years, the initial Les Wanyika band users are back again at the famed Backyard Sq. Cafe & Bar (now Backyard Square by Ashaki Grill) in Nairobi exactly where the band was formed in 1978.

Only two founder members will be in the 11-member band when it usually takes on stage at the iconic refurbished joint on Saturday, as most have both died or fallen victim of age toll.

Talking forward of the weekend clearly show, band leader Zuwa promised their enthusiasts a fantastic functionality.

Les Wanyika

The current members of Les Wanyika band. 

Photograph credit: Pool

“I want to guarantee our admirers that we shall not disappoint on Saturday. They will be thrilled and satisfied to the fullest,” he explained.

The band is finest recognized for Kiswahili hit songs that have been popular and broadly listened to on radio, vinyl documents and cassettes in East Africa and past.

The band was fashioned when drummer Rashid Juma, guitarist Omar Shaban (deceased), bassist Tommy Malanga, saxophonist Sijali Zuwa and late Foni Mkwanyule broke away from Simba Wanyika.

They were later joined by guitarist John Ngereza, vocalists Issa Juma and Mohamed Tika Abdallah (all deceased), bassist Victor Boniface, vocalist Joseph Justy Shiayo and guitarist Sammy Waingo.

Simba Wanyika experienced a few brothers – Wilson, George and William Kinyonga – who moved to Kenya from Tanzania in 1971 in advance of the split-up of the East African Community in 1977.

Just before constraints had been imposed on the Kenya/Tanzania border, musicians could vacation amongst the countries at will.

Entertaimnment

John Ngereza, composer of the music ‘Safari ya Samburu’

Photo credit: File

Most of the crossings, nevertheless, have been into Tanzania, the place musical was by now well-liked and bands could very easily get point out or company sponsorship.

Les Wanyika strike Sina Makosa, gained a golden disc in 1978, but subsequent disagreements, the band broke up in 2006.

In 2010, four surviving users – Zuwa, Rashida Juma, Malanga and Justy fondly acknowledged as Yellowman – regrouped and revived the once renowned Nairobi-centered band.

In accordance to Zuwa, who also plays the keyboard, they agreed to reunite subsequent speculations that all band users had died.

The band then went on to release a quantity of tunes, some in memory of their fallen colleagues Prof Omar Shaban, Issa Juma, Mohamed Tika, Johnny Ngereza and Poni Mkwanyule.

In later several years, Les Wanyika recruited new members to fill the hole of the departed customers.

 Les Wanyika

The famous Les Wanyika band and (inset) Josephine Achoke.

Photo credit score: Pool

Other than Sina Makosa, the band is also remembered for other well known hits these types of as Kujituliza Kasuku, Afro, Jessica, Pamela, Amigo, Safari ya Samburu, Safari Sio Kifo, Dunia Kigeugeu and Mama Watoto.

The band at this time comprises Rama Kocha, Rajab Kadima, Charles ‘Tabu’ Obala (vocalists), Tommy Malanga (bass guitar), Damas Lobanga (solo guitar) and Murhula E.M Moses (rythme guitar).

Other customers are Sijali Zuwa, Benard Kilindo, Olabode Idowu (trumpetists), Ado Voyant (drummer) and Hassan Ngao (percussionist).