10 Underrated Kenyan Bands
Kenyan bands and ensembles have been doing well for decades, with every generation having a band or two that defined the era. This current generation has had Sauti Sol, Just A Band, P-Unit and more recently Elani and Hart the Band as a big part of the music scene.
Below is a list of Kenyan bands/ensembles that I think have not gotten as much airtime as they should. Some of them are new while others have been around for a while. A lot of their videos are a little dated as unfortunately, they probably spend a lot more time on stage performing than in the studio recording or shooting videos. Still, they deserve some recognition for the work they put out.
This is no way an exhaustive list and I have tried to vary the genres. Please do add other bands/ensembles that you feel are underrated in the comments section.
1.The Villagers Band
This is one of those bands that anyone that is a follower of the live music scene in Nairobi knows. With the incredibly talented Chris Adwar in the lead, they’ve consistently put out great music. One of my favourite songs from them is Kenchic. Another good one is Be Your Fool. Enjoy it below.
2.The Red Acapella
I got to know about this band earlier in the year thanks to a CEFA event at the Italian Cultural Institute. They are a fresh of breath air. Their lyrics are clever and their sound is addictive. One of my favourite songs from them is ‘Kafimbo ya Nyayo’ (trusted me it’s not about politics)… They don’t have the video for this one out but I hope they’re working on that. Enjoy one of their equally awesome singles ‘Ka Gava’ below.
3.Ricky na Marafiki
This another band that has regular performances on many a stage in Nairobi and is well known by fans of live music. They’re pretty good live and their music is catchy. Enjoy their single ‘Dufa Mpararo’ below.
4.Yellow Light Machine
This band has been around for a few years. The members of this band are young and incredibly talented. The band recently went through a transformation and so there are some original members of the band that are no longer there… They still sound good though and have been making waves. Check out their jam session below.
5. James and Gogosimo Band
I didn’t know about this band until I attended the Safaricom Jazz Lounge: Salif Keita edition. They were the curtain raisers and let’s just say that ‘walifungua sakafu’. I absolutely love their sound; jazz and smooth swahili sound. Enjoy their single ‘Pakuwa’ below. Let me just say that this jam makes me feel some type of way.
6.Lele Ngoma
The first time I heard this band was at Poetry Spot, an event at All Saints Cathedral back in 2008. I was mesmerized. They have been gaining fans and hopefully will break into the mainstream soon. Enjoy one of my favourites from them ‘Duara’ below.
7.ParkingLotGrass
If you’re a rock fan, then you’re in luck. ParkingLotGrass is a Kenyan rock band. They sound just as good as any rock band worth its salt from anywhere in the world. Take a listen and enjoy their single ‘Rain Man’ below.
8.Third Hand Music
Third Hand Music is a trio and I don’t know anything much about them because I literally found out about them today while writing this post. Goodness what a find though! Their music is heavenly and I can’t get enough. Enjoy their lovely single ‘Helena’ below.
9.Sarabi
Sarabi isn’t exactly unknown. They actually have a cult following in Kenya and are well known abroad as well. However, I still feel they should feature on this list as they haven’t made it to the mainstream. They are undeniably talented and if you’ve seen them live, you know what I’m talking about when I say they are fantastic to watch. Enjoy one of their latest singles ‘Jipe Moyo’ below.
10.Murfy’s Flaw
One of the better known Kenyan rock bands, Murfy’s Flaw have been consistent through the years (though they’ve been a little quiet lately) but I’ve heard they should be making a comeback. Enjoy their single ‘Hello Light’ below.
Bonus
11. KIU
KIU have featured on my 11 Underrated Kenyan Female Musicians list. They also feature on this list being as they’re a trio. Enjoy their single ‘Mwanake’ below (that I directed by the way. Just saying.)
You can enjoy the full playlist here.
http://www.mwendengao.com/2015/10/08/10-underrated-kenyan-bands/ArtMusicMwende saysElani,H_art The Band,James and Gogosimo Band,KIU,Lele Ngoma,Murfy's Flaw,ParkingLotGrass,Ricky na Marafiki,Sarabi,Sauti Sol,The Red Acapella,The Villagers Band,Third Hand Music,Yellow Light Machine
well this is a gd article but u r missing one awesome band called culture horizon they are part of void of belonging
https://www.facebook.com/culture.horizon check awt their music on the link below
https://soundcloud.com/culturehorizonbandkenya/wewe-pekee
Thanks for the recommendation Omar. I will definitely check them out.
Thanks for reading!
Check out Songoma also.
Good read btw
http://mdundo.com/song/38934
https://m.soundcloud.com/songoma-music
Thanks for reading Esther and for sharing. I will definitely check them out!
Nice one…Its high time we promote our local music and talent!!
Awesome compilation.. Am a fan of some of the bands you have mentioned.
I think you should also take a look at music in the coastal scene.. there are amazing bands, go check them out.
Juukua: https://mobile.facebook.com/Juukua/
Neo: https://mobile.facebook.com/Neo-the-band-Kenya-311728529030503/
Apa_Ghemma: https://mobile.facebook.com/apaghemma/
Your style is very unique compared to other people I’ve read stuff from.
Thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this site.