The Passing of a Legend; Michael Kinyany

Ketebul Music wishes to extend our condolences to the family of Michael Kinyany who passed away on the 18th of December 2015.

Michael Kinyany during an interview with Ketebul Music

Michael Kinyany was a member of the group Lang Obiero that played benga and rumba in the 1950’s. Lang Obiero was among the groups recorded by ethnomusicologist Hugh Tracy in the early 1950’s. The group was one of the leading bands at that time and Michael was the youngest member.

Left to right: Michael Kinyany Prof. Diane Thram (Director ILAM), Tabu Osusa (Founding Director Ketebul Music)

In August 2014, Ketebul Music in partnership with the International Library of African Music (ILAM) with the support of Abubilla Music Foundation repatriated some of these recordings which included Lang Obiero’s music. During that time, we met with and interviewed Michael and he gave us an insight on music in the 50’s and his take on music in general.

Kenyany was an astute business man and is a good example of how one can attain good education, be an entrepreneur and still be a great musician.

Left to right: Steve 64 (Ketebul Music Sound Engineer), Michael Kinyany Hunter Allen (Videographer Abubilla)

Ketebul Music will feature him in our book ‘Shades of Benga’ set to be launched soon.

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