Today marks
the death of Musa Juma two years ago. The sorrows that greeted the news of his
death still hovers over the hearts of his legion of fans, including me. Kenya
had lost one of its greatest and iconic benga and rhumba musicians.
We owe it all to the man who revolutionized our
music, giving it the lyrical and instrumental touch similar to the conglose
lingala. With his fusion of Franco’s guitar skills, Okatch’s attractive voice
and Collella’s tempting tunes, he gave our music a new image. He proved it that
vernacular music, in this case benga, could infact unite people, as every Kenyan,
from whichever background enjoyed and continues to enjoy his music. People from
all walks of life could attend his live shows. He entertained many people of
different nationalities, from Botswana to U.S.A.
He inspired and continues to inspire many musicians.
Bands like Bana Sungusia, BV Band, Madjona Rhumba, Banamela and Patron Musica have
learnt a lot from him and his brand remains their musical benchmarks.
As
we commemorate his death with his legendary spirit still hovering over us, his
fans, the question remains if we continue to uphold what he stood for. This was
a crooner who advocated for peace, love, reconciliation, integrity, discipline
and environmental management; the thematic issues around which his music
revolved. We can honour him by upholding these values. Just as he used his gift
to promote a better society, we can also use our various abilities to create a
better society.
He commanded respect amongst his peers and fans and
led his band, Limpopo International, with exemplary discipline and adorable
flamboyance. Perhaps present-day musicians have lessons to learn from this.
We must credit his younger sister, Millie Fedha,
for managing to liven his legacy by maintaining Limpopo Band, though now metamorphosized
to Super Limpopo International Band. Even with major band members like Damas, Azile, Salim, Vaska, Tumbas, Jose,
Sande and John gone to other bands like Banamela, she has managed to bring up a
young and talented band that continue to make the late Musa Juma (I am sure)
and every of his fans proud. Watching them sing is nostalgic and acoustic. Keep
up Millie, we support you.
I
still believe there are more things we can do to honour our music icon. Think
of a memorial event like a tournament, or a special awards ceremony to honour
benga artists named after him. We love you MJ, your legacy lives on, we
continue to immortalize you.
