Nobody can stop reggae: How music touched Raila's heart and soul

The late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga was a great lover of music.

His love for reggae was evident throughout his political journey and everyday life, often reflected in his speeches, rallies and personal moments.

Odinga’s passion for music inspired many local artistes to compose songs celebrating his political challenges and victories, both in life and now in death.

Among them is Onyi Papa Jey, who composed and performed traditional Ohangla song ODM 2007 Official Anthem, a number that predicted Odinga’s victory in the 2007 General Election against President Mwai Kibaki.

The list of artistes from Western Kenya who followed suit is long. 

In the many songs composed in honour of the late politician, he is fondly referred to by various names — Tinga, Agwambo, Nyundo, Prime Minister, Tibim cum Tialala, Baba, Nasa and Owadu gi Akinyi (brother to Akinyi) — among others each reflecting a different chapter of his remarkable life.

Linet Aluoch Pamba, leader of the Karapul Jazz Band, confirmed that she was among the Benga musicians  who entertained Baba for many years.

She said Odinga had a deep love for diverse music genres and was especially familiar with Benga lyrics and Nyatiti tunes, both at home and abroad.

“We entertained Baba and many dignitaries at both private and public events. He loved Benga music and that’s why we were always invited whenever he or his family held ceremonies,” said Pamba, who also performed before dignitaries, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta, during the Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2021, at Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground in Kisumu.

Fight for democracy

Before branching out from DO Shirati Jazz Band to form Karapul Jazz Band following the death of Shirati leader Daniel Owino Misiani on May 17, 2006, Pamba said they had entertained Odinga several times in New Jersey, US, during his visits to the state.

“We had good times with him for over a decade when I performed with Shirati Jazz Band both in the US and locally. He truly loved our music,” said Pamba. While in the US, their music production was handled by Matthews Anyumba.

Another time  they entertained Odinga was in 2002, when Shirati Jazz Band recorded Safari Ya Amolo North Mara on their way to North Mara, Tanzania. They were heading there to perform for dignitaries during the commemoration of Tanzania’s founding President, Julius Nyerere, who had died on October 14, 1999.

Pamba also performed at the wedding ceremony of Odinga’s firstborn daughter, Rosemary Akeyo, in December 2004.

Later, with her Karapul Band, she became a regular performer at King’s Club, along the route to Odinga’s Bondo home and had performed there just days before his death.

Another musician who shared a close bond with Odinga was the late Misiani. He composed several songs reflecting the challenges that Agwambo and his team endured in their fight for democracy and social justice that ultimately benefited ordinary Kenyans.

“Agwambo en ng’ama jaratiro e gik motimo tetete makonyo jopiny (Raila is a truthful man whose tireless efforts have always uplifted the common people),” Misiani told this reporter in an exclusive interview in 1997.

Misiani died in a tragic road accident in Kisumu on May 17, 2006.

In his quest to build a more inclusive and democratic society after the 2017 General Election, Odinga championed the 2021 Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) alongside then-President Uhuru Kenyatta. During the campaigns, he famously declared that “nobody can stop reggae,” a phrase that quickly became a national anthem for his supporters.

To underscore his message, many of the songs played during the BBI rallies were reggae hits by Jamaican legend Bob Marley and South Africa’s celebrated musician Lucky Dube, both of whom have since passed on.

The late ODM leader was especially fond of The Jamaican Farewell, a soulful tune composed and performed by American singer and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte, who popularized Calypso music globally in the 1950s and 1960s.

At several public gatherings across Kenya, the former Prime Minister could often be seen joyfully singing Harry Belafonte’s “Jamaican Farewell,” especially during entertainment forums such as The Churchill Show.

Them Mushrooms Band leader John Katana Harrison recalled that the fallen statesman graced their 50th Anniversary celebrations at Carnivore Restaurant on December 11, 2022.
“He came to enjoy himself with a few of his foreign friends, and they stayed for nearly three hours, enjoying different meals as they nodded along to our Zilizopendwa tunes,” Katana Harrison said.

The late Odinga also had a deep passion for concerts, drama, sports and other aspects of the entertainment scene, an enthusiasm shared by Kenya’s founding President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and his successor Daniel arap Moi.

As an ardent sports lover and patron of record Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia, Odinga frequently attended FKF Premier League matches and several international fixtures featuring both the club and the national team, Harambee Stars.

On the day Odinga left for treatment in India, he is said to have donated Sh10 million to Gor Mahia to support the club’s activities.

“Jakom had given us Sh10 million to support our club operations shortly before he travelled abroad for treatment,” Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier told reporters.

Renowned artiste Suzanna Owiyo, famed for her Kisumu 2000 Centenary Celebrations performance, described Odinga as the pillar and driving force behind her musical success.

Launchpad

Owiyo confirmed that the former Prime Minister played a key role in the success of her hit song Kisumu 100, noting that her connection with him became the launchpad of her music career.

“What many people may not know is the instrumental role Odinga played in the success of my hit song, “Kisumu 100.” I first performed the song for him at the Nyanza Political Caucus event at the Norfolk Hotel, held in honor of Raphael Tuju’s Emmy Award win in 2001. As the patron of the caucus, he immediately recognized the song’s potential,” said Owiyo who confirmed having entertained the legendary politician many times.

Owiyo said Kenya and the world mourns a true son of Africa who was fiercely loved and inspired countless people. 

“HE The Rt Hon Odinga was a statesman who embodied hope, resilience and reconciliation, always believing in a better Kenya.
I received the news of his passing with immense shock. This is a big loss for Kenya and by extension, for the entire continent of Africa. As my number one supporter and fan for many years, I will miss him dearly,” she explained.

“Odinga’s belief in my talent gave me a platform, and for that, I will be eternally grateful. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” she eulogised.

A number of traditional Ohangla bands that included those of Tony Nyadundo had as well impressed Jakom.

The late Prime Minister also enjoyed Rhumba music of the late Franco Luambo Luanzo Makiadi of TP OK Jazz Band and those of Tabu Ley Rocheareau with Afrisa International.