Kenge Kenge

Among Kenya’s most prominent musical traditions stands the benga rhythm, and Kenge Kenge—originally launched under the name Kenge Kenge Orutu System—rank among the leading younger acts devoted to its exploration. Drawn from the Luo tongue, the ensemble’s title translates as “fusion of small, exhilarating instruments.” Amdo Jawaya and Samuel Nyariwo assembled the group in the early 1990s, its earliest work consisting of accompaniment for the Catering Levy Trust Choir. Before long the musicians stepped beyond that role once George Achieng assumed leadership, directing their efforts squarely toward the benga style long identified with Kenya; by then Nyariwo remained the sole founding member. During their time as support players the lineup relied solely on the single-string orutu fiddle and the nyangile gong, yet independence prompted the addition of percussion, drums, horns, and flute, though guitar has never entered the arrangement. Nominated for a Kenyan Traditional Music award in 2004, the band performed at the event without having been told of either the nomination or the victory. Their initial exposure in the West arrived via the compilation Rough Guide to the Music of Kenya, followed in 2007 by the release of the debut album Introducing Kenge Kenge.