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Raila death, a blow for musicians
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga dances as musician Suzanna Owiyo performs during the commemoration of the one year of the Building Bridges to Unity Initiative (the Handshake) held at the Serena Hotel on March 9, 2019.
The sudden passing away of veteran politician Raila Amolo Odinga is a big blow to revolutionary young Kenyan musicians, especially those in the ohangla genre and reggae.
His political struggles inspired many up-and-coming artists, who used him as a source of inspiration to come up with songs which would suit the political moment and inspire scores of others.
Raila was politically witty and used some of the songs during his election campaigns.
Azimio Leader Raila Odinga (right) and the spouse, Mama Ida Odinga join dancers during the 30th memorial anniversary of Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga at Ofafa Memorial Hall in Kisumu on January 20, 2024.
One of the most notable songs, Unbwogable (meaning we are fearless), recorded in 2002, was the political campaign anthem that Narc rode on to power.
It was the brainchild of the talented duo of Gidi Gidi and MajiMaji. It was the dominant song for the 2002 Narc presidential candidate Mwai Kibaki's campaign. It was in that election that Kibaki defeated Kanu's Uhuru Kenyatta. Raila played a key role during that campaign by declaring "Kibaki Tosha". That slogan easily propelled Mr Kibaki to victory over Mr Kenyatta in the closely contested elections then.
Raila's love for reggae music was also evident during his five unsuccessful presidential election campaigns, where the song. The hit, Nobody Can Stop Reggae, by South African legend Lucky Dube, would often be played in the campaign rallies.
Governors affiliated to the Azimio la Umoja Movement, led by Kakamega’s Wycliffe Oparanya (centre), dance during a campaign rally at Kidundu Stadium in Vihiga County on February 22.
Raila was also a good friend and fan of legendary Benga musician Daniel Owino (DO ) Misiani, who composed several songs in praise of him. Among them were Ägwambo and "Raila:".
Misiani, who was known for some of his controversial songs, had also got into trouble with the government then for the song, Bim n Bim.
For most artistes from Luo Nyanza, songs in praise of Raila were often seen as a show of respect and appreciation of his politics. Other artistes, who composed songs in praise of Raila, include Dr Osito Kalle, who did Raila, Musa Juma (Raila), Linet Aluoch Pamba as also had Raila and Ohangla legend Jack Nyadundo.
ODM party leader Raila Odinga and Migori Governor Okoth Obado dance during the funeral of former Ndhiwa MP Zablon Owigo Olang’ at Raguda village in Nyatike Sub-county on January 23.
Other Ohangla artistes who have sung in praise of Raila include Nasa Tibim by Onyi Jalamo, Emma Jalamo, OnyI Papa Jey, alongside many others.
Raila's love for calypso music was also evident in a viral clip of him doing a rendition of superstar Harry Belafonte's Jamaica Farewell song. Many of his followers were impressed by his ability to sing along.
ODM leader Raila Odinga (second right) joins leaders from Mt Kenya region in a dance during a Building Bridges Initiative rally at Kinoru Stadium in Meru town on February 29, 2020.
Speaking to Daily Nation, Darzee Kalend, band leader of the Nairobi-based Bilenge Musica Du Congo, said he was devastated at learning of the sad news of Raila’s death. "Raila Baba always encouraged me from the time I first came to Kenya and was a fan of our band” he said. His band did the song Baba Anakuja in his honour prior to the last general election in 2022. Also in 2022, there was also the campaign song Lero ni Lero by Emmanuel Musindi (featuring Raila singing).
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