Makadem
Profile: Makadem
Makadem also known as the Ohanglaman is of one Kenya’s most talented and promising performing artist. His command on stage, charisma and powerful vocal delivery, spiced with satire has made many describe him as Kenya’s own Fela Kuti. He has successfully fused different genres of music from Kenya, Africa and the world with his native Luo Benga music.
After completing his high school education, Makadem became a tour guide based in his hometown of Mombasa. He later began entertaining guests at the beach hotels, by playing his guitar and singing cover songs, to supplement his tour guide income.
By 1999, he had become a fully fledged musician and performing artist, and went on to record and release a reggae dancehall single titled ‘Mr. Lololova’.
Years later, Makdem met and started collaborating with veteran afro fusion producer, Tabu Osusa. This collaboration saw Makadem successfully transform his style of music from raga to an African based style that he refers to as ‘Anglo-Ohangla’. Anglo Ohangla is a fusion of Ohangla (traditional Luo music based on Luo drums), Nyatiti (Luo music based on a Luo lyre), and Dodo (traditional Luo music singing style – Luo is a tribe from western Kenya, Lake Victoria region) styles of music mixed with other modern African beats with heavily accented Luo-English Vocals. Makadem went on to record his debut album titled ‘Ohanglaman’ under Tabu Osusa’s keen guidance, which was released under Ketebul Music in 2007.
Makadem uses his humorous and witty lyrics to address deep socio-economic struggles in modern day Kenya. He has toured in Morocco and Europe and performed in regional festivals including Sauti za Busara (Zanzibar), Bayimba (Uganda) and Fest’Horn (Djibouti). He has shared the stage with top international artists including, Gregory isaacs, mighty Culture, Glen Washington, Baaba Maal, Mahotella Queens and Lokua Kanza to mention but a few.
Makadem was also in the international limelight when he released a song titled ‘Obama Be Thy Name’ in support of current American president Barrack Obama, during his campaign bid in 2008. The video on you tube generated quite a stir with both negative and positive feedback.
Makadem has managed to keep a busy touring and performance schedule
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- Makadem @ Bayimba Festival of Arts, Kampala, Uganda 2010
- Cover for Makadem’s debut CD ‘Ohanglaman’
Latest Blogs...View more blogs about Makadem
Makadem For Music Residency In Paris, France
It seems like globe trotting will again be the order of the day for Ketebul Music artist Makadem. The Ohanglaman will soon be packing his bags as he takes off for a 3 month music residency in Paris, France.
Supported by the Institut Francais under the Ateliers du Monde programme, Makadem was selected for the residency programme which will see him study under internationally reknown kalimba maestro, Lolendo Mvulu, with the intention of improving his kalimba playing skills.
Makadem who spent the better part of last year in Europe, will also use his time in Paris interacting with other musicians like the critically acclaimed Congolese guitarist Syrian M’Benza.known for his collaborations with the likes of Sam Mangwana, Vicky Longomba and Nyboma to name but a few. Syrian M’Benza is widely acknowledged as one of Africa’s finest and most accomplished guitarists (quoted from African Musician’s Profiles).
We at Ketebul Music extend our gratitude to Institut Francais for giving Makadem this opportunity.
Featured photo ©Paulo da Costa
Makadem on TV 2 GO /Morgen-Tv
On 28th of October, Makadem was in the studios of Danish National TV Station TV 2 GO/Morgen TV.
Together with his band, Makadem performed DHI NDALO, a song from his current album OHANGLAMAN and was backed up by Soweto Kinch, Carl Winther, Yohan Ramon and Yuliesky Guerra Gonzalez.
Featured photo by Derek Ruttan, London Free Press
Makadem,Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Soweto Kinch
By Nyakenya
Makadem, The Ohanglaman, one of the most exciting musicians and performers from Kenya,opened the stage for the great Nigerian musician Oluseun Anikulapo Kuti,better known as Seun Kuti, son to the legendary Afro Beat pioneer Fela Kuti.
This was a great opportunity and honour for Makadem who has been likened to the great Fela Kuti himself, owing to his energy and stage presence. This was the sixth performance on Makadem’s One World Scandinavian tour which began on the 20th of October and will be coming to a close on the 19th of November 2011.
Also joining makadem on stage was Soweto Kinch, a renowned British alto saxophonist and rapper.
For more information on this and other shows on the tour CLICK HERE.
Featured photo by Paulo da Costa. To see more photos of Makadem by Paulo da Costa CLICK HERE.








