The most popular Kenyan songs are those sung in the vernacular language.
These kinds of songs better tell the stories of our cultures and even our kinsmen usually go to listen to these songs when they want to be in touch with their cultures while away from home.
Luhya musicians boast of some of the greatest records among the vernacular songs in Kenya.
The Luhya tribe is famous for its love for music and dancing as it is home to the famous isikuti dance routine. This routine is also linked to AFC Leopards fans who dance on their way to matches and after matches as well.
Here we look at the greatest Luhya musicians who are currently topping the charts in Western Kenya.
These are the musicians that are most loved by their kinsmen at the moment and are also the most played in Kenyan clubs when DJs decide to give their fans a touch of their various cultures.
Opeta wa Musungu
Opeta came to fame following his Tachoni hit song dubbed ‘Wandindi’ which he released in 2020. Shortly after, Opeta got national recognition as he released his second hit song ‘Khabusie’ which roughly translated means ‘Let it Dawn’.
‘Khabusie’ is arguably the most famous Luhya song currently and is listened to by all Luhyas and not just Bukusus and Tachonis who better understand the lyrics. The root message of the song is that tomorrow is not guaranteed, so do good to others.
Opeta is a vibrant, talented, young musician who has a very bright future. He has just started out and there’s so much he has to offer in the future.
Steve Kay
Steve Kay has the most famous hit of the ‘Mbe Omukhasi’ series of Bukusu hits.
Just like Opeta, Steve is also a young and talented musician who has his all career ahead of him.
Despite his young age, Steve Kay has been on the scene for a long time and has even created a liking with prominent Luhya politicians who have hired him on separate occasions to compose political songs.
Steve Kay has released various songs that have gone to become hit songs. Examples include ‘Ochukha Bhusie’, ‘Mbe Omukhasi’, ‘Wetangula’, ‘Bayudah’, ‘Kamang’u’ , etc. However, he always insists that he doesn’t record his best songs as a measure of luring people to come to his shows.
Amos Barasa
A lot of people do not know Amos Barasa, but I’m certain that almost every Kenyan is familiar with his song, ‘Bindu Bichechanga’ which is translated to ‘Things Change’. This song was such a hit that the phrase ‘Bindu Bichenjanga’ was being used by almost every Kenyan. It was a trending phrase.
Most people just know Amos for his one-hit song but among the Luhya community, he has been busy at the studio ever since his ‘Bindu Bichenjanga’ hit song.
Among the songs he has been releasing are; ‘Bandu Bachenjile’, ‘Papa Mbolele Mulisala’, ‘Ekura’.
Sammy Mang’ara
Sammy Mang’ara is the brilliance behind the Luhya hit song ‘Sponsor’ which detailed how old rich men are hunting for young ladies.
Just like Steve Kay, Sammy has also developed a liking with prominent Luhya leaders and has also composed a few political songs.
The Bukusu artiste is also known famously as ‘Baba Brighti’ which means he is Brighti’s (His daughter) father.
Sammy has also released various other hits including the ‘Mbe Omukhasi’ remix, ‘Pressure’, ‘Sportpesa’.
Most recently, he was hired by the Kenya Kwanza political group to compose a political song which he titled ‘Hustler Nation’
David Barasa (Webuye Jua Kali Band)
David is the most famous member of the Webuye Jua Kali Band and he is also the musician among the group who is mostly linked to the band.
The Webuye Jua Kali Band is known for their hit song dubbed ‘My dear’ which is arguably the second most played song during Luhya wedding ceremonies after Steve Kay’s and Sammy Mang’ara’s ‘Mbe Omukhasi’
He has remained a member of the band who is most committed to music after most of his peers drifted to politics following their rise to fame in the Western region.
David Barasa is also known for a vintage hit song ‘Mama Mzazi’ which was famous during the 00s.
