Olith Ratego
Profile: Olith Ratego
Olith Ratego was born Musa Odhiambo omondi, in Asere Ugenya, Siaya District. The middle child in a family of three, his interest in music was awakened by his mother who was a singer of “Dodo”, a traditional style of luo music. She on occasion performed for dignitaries and even the then president of Kenya, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
As a young boy, Olith would listen to and sing along to songs by Miriam Makeba and Tshala Mwana, much to the amazement of his listeners. In school, he often got in trouble for writing songs in class and was sent home severally in an attempt to stop him from the habit.
Unfortunately for Olith, his school life was cut short at Class Five, due to lack of school fees. At this point, he put all his energies in trying to get his songs recorded. Realizing that he couldn’t get his songs recorded he painfully gave up on his singing dreams, for an apprenticeship in carpentry with his cousin in Nairobi.
In 2001, he heard an afro-fusion song that rekindled his singing passion. He made up his mind to have a song produced and played on radio. With monies raised from his carpentry workshop, “Mamano Daa” was released on radio. It got massive airplay locally but he did not get the desired recognition and returned to Siaya.
Come 2003, he heard of an upcoming show in Siaya by King Kong and approached him to curtain raise the show. He was accorded that opportunity and got a great response from the crowd. Impressed with his performance, King Kong took him to Nairobi as his singer. Olith raised enough money to release another single – “Aheri”. While working with King Kong, he was introduced to Tabu Osusa, an avid Afro – Fusion producer who signed him on to the Ketebul Productions stable and “Osuga” was born!!
Previous Notable Shows and Performances
- The village experience concert – Alliance Française de Nairobi (French cultural centre) – January 2008
- Fest Horn – Djibouti 2008
- Muziki wa Kenya concert – Goethe institute Nairobi 2007
- Sauti za Busara festival – Zanzibar 2007 February
Currently, Olith is in the process of recording his sophomore yet to be titled album at Ketebul Studios. The project being produced by Guy Morley of No Nation/ Yam Yam from the UK, will feature Ohangla Music with a twist.
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- Olith Ratego playing his self-made lyre, the Kodo Madanda
Latest Blogs...View more blogs about Olith Ratego
Ketebul Music @ The Rift Valley Festival.
It has been a long and event filled weekend for Ketebul Music artistes and crew, who have been in Naivasha for the Rift Valley Festival. From Friday 2nd, the Ketebul Music team has been at Fisherman’s Camp either performing on stage or offering support for the Festival.
Makadem the Ohanglaman thriled the crowd on Friday evening by giving the show a thundering openning as has become customary of all his performances.
On Saturday, the festival goers braved the rain and the cold to see Winyo perform songs from his upcoming CD Benga Blues.
Today being the lasty day of the festival will be treated to Olith’s brand of Ohangla fusion.
The Ketebul Music crew will depart for Nairobi tomorrow morning.
Stay tuned for final update on Ketebul Music @ the Rift Valley Festival!
Makadem, Winyo & Olith Ratego for Rift Valley Festival, Naivasha
This September, Ketebul Music will take Naivasha by storm when three of our artists will take on stage for the annual Rift Valley Festival.
Set on the banks of Lake Naivasha at Fishaerman’s Camp, the Rift Valley Festival is a must see event for anyone wishing to catch Makadem, Olith Ratego and Winyo live on stage.
Globe trotting Makadem will take to the stage on Friday 02 on what will be one of his final local shows this year before he embarks on yet another tour of Europe and South America.
Olith Ratego will be on stage on Saturday 03 with his own blend of Ohangla.
Two time RFI Discpveries Award nominee Winyo will wind up the Ketebul roster on Sunday o4 with his Benga Blues.
For more details on the festival, click on the link below;
RIft Valley Festival
