Chill Haven Lounge is the place to be for Rhumba fans in Kakamega every Friday and Saturday with Luhya Rhumba singer and guitarist Akivambo Freddy Tolo as the main act.
Besides Rhumba songs, Akivambo and his Jugodias Band also plays Benga and Omutibo (the Luhya beat from Western Kenya).
Speaking to the Saturday Nation earlier this week, Akivambo said they plan to diversify their shows in tune with the forthcoming festive season.
Akivambo, known for the Luhya rhumba hit Betty , is a big fan of the legendary Congolese musician the late Tabu Ley Rochereau.
“I grew up listening to Tabu Ley’s songs. His musical style has formed the basis of my recordings,” he said.
Before settling in Kakamega, Akivambo was previously based in Eldoret town. He started his career in 1997 with Bana Lisanga band, which played at Raha Leo Club. He later joined the Bana Kutana Band, which performed at the Kutana Club alongside various entertainment spots in the town.
However, his breakthrough came when he joined the Jamnazi Afrika Band as a back-up singer and guitarist. The band featured Awilo Mike Otieno and Ongoro Jakarachuonyo as the lead vocalists. Jamnazi Afrika Band is best remembered for songs such as I am not Sober , Riziki and Osiepe .
“Performing with Jamnazi gave me exposure to start singing in various dialects,” Akivambo recalls.
In 2013, Akivambo relocated to Kakamega where he set his base at 37 Club. With Julius and Godi, they formed the Jugodias (an acronym of their three names) Band.
Besides Betty , other popular songs that they released include Vapere Serevita , Kare na kare and Amaveere gi Kimuga . Most of the songs in Luhya target their dominant Western Kenya fan base. They have occasionally performed in other towns.
Meanwhile, the Safari Park Hotel and Casino in Nairobi will host the Maambura ja Meru Show in Saturday night. The show will celebrate the rich culture, music, and cuisine of the Meru community.
Kenyan artiste Kamanu.
Photo credit: Pool
The event at the Nyama Choma Ranch will feature Kamanu and Band, Kiana kia Itharia, Kithambara Dancers, Chuka drummers. The MCs will be Mwanontii and Mugongoo of Muuga FM.
Tickets are priced at Sh6,000 per person, Sh4,500 for children aged 4-10, and Sh11,000 per couple. There will also be special accommodation at a fee of Sh8,000 per person.
