Them mushrooms
Them Mushrooms is a Kenyan band . Stylistically, it is mainly attributable to traditional elements of Bantu culture and partly to reggae . The group, which is considered to be the first African band known beyond the borders of the continent, produced a number of studio albums with changing line-ups.
history
Them Mushrooms was founded in Mombasa in 1969 under the name “Avenida Success” and was family-like from the start, as four of the six founding members (Teddy Kalanda, Billy Sarro, George Zirro and John Katana) were brothers. Two years later, Dennis Kalume Harrison was joined by another brother. Another year later, in 1972, the name was changed to Them Mushrooms . Them Mushrooms had great success in 1982 with the title "Jambo Bwana", which is considered one of the most famous Kenyan pop songs and was covered by Boney M. among others . As with most of the other songs by the band, the lyrics of Jambo Bwana are in Swahili .
The band played in hotels on the coast of Mombasa until 1986 before moving to the Kenyan capital, Nairobi . After the death of the songwriter Dennis Kalume Harrison in 1992, the band faced a breakup; George Zirro left the band to pursue a solo career. Nevertheless, the group continued under changing line-up and renamed itself to "Uyoga" in 2002, although the previous name was unofficially continued. Today only Teddy Kalanda remains from the starting line-up, plus Henry Ndenge Saha and Ben Mutwiwa.
In addition to their work as a musician, the band also acts as a producer for young artists. In 2009, John Katana, on behalf of Them Mushrooms, received one of the highest honors in Kenya ( Head of State Commendation ) from President Mwai Kibaki personally .
Discography (selection)
- Jambo Bwana (1980)
- Mama Africa (1983)
- New Horizons (1985)
- At the Carnivore (1987)
- Going Places (1988)
- Zilizopendwa 91 (1991)
- Kazi Ni Kazi (1996)
- Ni Hiyo (1998)
- Oh! Twalia (1998)
- Jambo Bwana (1999)
- Zilizopendwa 2000 (2000)
- Uyoga (2004)
Web links
- Them Mushrooms at Allmusic (English)
- Them Mushrooms at lastfm.de
Individual evidence
- ↑ standardmedia.co.ke: "Why do bands break up?" (English, August 28, 2009, accessed September 10, 2013)
- ↑ a b bbc.co.uk: "World: Africa Kenya: Journey through a rhythm nation" (English, August 30, 1999, accessed September 10, 2013)
- ↑ nation.co.ke: "Three sing their way to glory" (English, June 5, 2009, accessed September 10, 2013)