Over four decades since recording his first song, Benga musician Dr Osito Kalle still stands out from a crowded scene of young and old Luo musicians.
While many artists prefer singing in praise of politicians and top celebrities, the 62-year-old says his penchant for love songs has helped him to attract and maintain a multi-generational audience from diverse backgrounds.
Bearing in mind that love is an eternal topic that continues to elicit emotive reactions throughout the ages, the father of eight says he still commands a legion of fans who still believe in his music.
“Due to the fact that there are no permanent friends or enemies in politics, political songs fade very fast and their relevance is pegged on the popularity of the characters in question,” he says.
Officially known as Elijah Mirasi, Dr Osito Kalle did not allow his humble beginnings to bring him down when he ventured in the music industry in 1977.
After dropping out of Church Army Secondary School in Nairobi in Form Two for lack of fees, he joined the National Youth Service where he trained in carpentry. He would later open a workshop in Ngomongo Village where he briefly worked.
In pursuit of his talent and love for music, he later joined Victoria C Band which was led by Awino Lawi where he worked for about five years before forming Victoria D band jointly with his two brothers, Moses Omondi and Paul Owino.
After a few years of working together, the trio opted to change the name of their band to Nabi Kings in 1999 where he was the vocalist and talented guitarist while his siblings played the drum and rhythm.
Despite having produced over 25 albums, he recalls that it is Asembo Piny Maber song, which he released in 1998, that catapulted him to instant fame.
Benga musician Dr Osito Kalle during an interview at his home at Mabinju Village in Asembo, Rarieda Sub-County, on September 1, 2020.
Photo credit: Tonny Omondi | Nation Media Group
But Dr Osito Kalle did not let his celebrity status get into his head like most musicians of his time.
When the Nation visited Dr Osito Kalle at Mabinju Village in Asembo, Rarieda Sub-County, his main message to the upcoming artistes is to be focused in their talent in order to earn the respect of their fans.
“Just like any other profession, musicians should make use of their talents and remember to save and invest the little they can for their future when they still have the energy.
“The contract we have with our fans is not permanent and we have to make the best of it when it lasts,” he said.
Dr Osito Kalle, who has since embarked on farming, also operates a bar and a restaurant in his home town.
“I have also planted over 20 acres of trees and keep animals which keep me busy in my sunset years,” he said.
Other Benga artists that he has nurtured include Odhiambo Tusker, the late Omondi Longlilo, Aluoch Pamba, Opiyo Bilongo and Otieno Wireless, among others.
“As much as I can, I always strive to ensure that people who go through my hands do much better than me,” he said.
Benga musician Dr Osito Kalle during an interview at his home at Mabinju Village in Asembo, Rarieda Sub-County, on September 1, 2020.
Photo credit: Tonny Omondi | Nation Media Group
Dr Osito Kalle, who continues to entertain people, however, says he does not plan to retire any time soon and will keep on extolling the virtues of promoting love as a way of strengthening family bonds.
“I am currently a mobile artist and can perform anywhere depending on demand and invitation of my clients,” he said.
The closure of entertainment joints by the government to curb the spread of Covid-19 has, however, forced him to make performances through online platforms like Facebook and Youtube.
Some of his latest songs include We tugo gi love (Don’t joke with love), Christina Auma and Wilco.
