Winyo
Real Name: Shiphton Onyango
"A custodian of Benga music bringing ancient Luo harmonies into modern Afro-jazz."
Listen & Stream
Biography & Cultural Journey
Origins & Artistic Name
Born Shiphton Onyango on the shores of Lake Victoria, Kenya, Winyo adopted his stage name from the Luo word for "bird". The name reflects his vocal style—mellow, expressive, and soaring with high sensitivity over acoustic guitar arrangements. Growing up steeped in traditional Luo folk music, his sound borrows heavily from the repetitive, melodic guitar styles that mirror the 8-string Nyatiti lyre.
Musical Evolution & International Acclaim
Winyo gained major international recognition when he was shortlisted twice for the prestigious Radio France Internationale (RFI) Discoveries competition in 2010 and 2011. His critically acclaimed debut album, "Benga Blues" (2012), firmly established him as an ambassador for modern Kenyan music. Since then, he has performed across the globe, including at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, the US Library of Congress, and major festivals across Europe.
Collaborations & Legacy
Beyond his solo work, Winyo is a producer, actor, and photographer who collaborates with cultural preservation efforts like Singing Wells. Signed under Ketebul Music and Abubilla Music, he continues to evolve by blending traditional Dholuo lyrics with modern contemporary production, collaborating with artists like Fancy Fingers (Sauti Sol).
Albums & EPs
- 2026
Pole Sana (with Samuel Cosmic & BHANA)
EP
- 2025
Jawaya Jathum (with Fancy Fingers)
Album
- 2020
Sazile
EP
- 2014
Yote Yote
Album
- 2012
Benga Blues
Album
Singles & Collaborations
- 2026
Abiro (Love Wins, Always) (with Baptiste Caffrey)
Single
- 2026
Mapenzi Sumu
Single
- 2026
The King (with Niraj Naik)
Single
- 2026
Yuapi ?
Single
- 2025
Duog Dala (with Estère & Fancy Fingers)
Single
- 2025
Pokunena (with Fancy Fingers)
Single
- 2025
Maria (with Fancy Fingers)
Single
- 2024
Kendo (with ELEVEN)
Single
- 2024
Running for Gold (with Edward Kamau)
Single
- 2022
Suna (Da Africa Deep Remixes)
Single
- 2022
Africities Kisumu 2022
Single