Joel Olwang Okoma might be a Luhya by birth but he can easily be mistaken for a Kikuyu from his walking style, his dressing, and his command of the Kikuyu language.
Born in Emutete village in Khwisero, Kakamega County, Olwang is a Kikuyu benga musician who believes that music transcends tribal boundaries.
“I was born in Kakamega County. My parents were both Luhya. I was brought up with many hardships because my father died when I was young. My mother left me with my grandmother and went to Nairobi to work. She used to come home once a year. Later, we relocated to Kiambu and settled in a coffee plantation estate. Every day, I made sure that I learnt a word from my Kikuyu friends, and by the time I was going to class one, I was fluent in Kikuyu,” he said.
Along the way, he fell in love with Mugithi/Benga music and his Kikuyu friends who are mainly artistes inspired him to become a mugithi musician.
“God has really blessed me with mentors who have become my support system. They guide me and show me what to do in order to improve my songs. They help me a lot especially when it comes to landing gigs in clubs, birthday parties and funerals,” he said.
Olwang prides himself in being one of the best key board players in the industry, which has earned him the nickname ‘Tony Wa Kinanda.’
“I’m one of the best keyboard players in the mugithi industry. Many people are used to mugithi songs that are blended with the sound of a guitar but I offer a different kind of music. Having spent part of my childhood in Kikuyu land has contributed a lot to the kind of music I do,” he said.
The 28-year-old noted that not everyone was open to the idea of him being a mugithi musician.
“I started as a gospel artiste but a certain pastor disappointed me, which made me switch to secular music. It was not easy but I had to learn. I enjoy my music because it comes deep from my heart. There is something about Kikuyu language and music that excites me.”
“I was the caretaker of a church in Kiambu town and would sneak with the church equipment during the night and go to clubs to sing mugithi. I did it for five months without anybody noticing. But one day, I was caught. On that day, there was a kesha but I was not aware. They stormed the club and demanded the equipment. I pleaded with them to let me finish the show but they refused. The pastor told me to never step in the church. I felt bad because I had no ill intentions. I was just after my dream. I left that church. I was forced to start hiring the equipment.”
His biggest challenge? “When payments are done. Many clients opt to pay via Mpesa, but they end up reversing the money because of my name. They are confused because they assume I am Kikuyu. I’m forced to convince them so that they can send the money,” he said.
“I choose mugithi because it was my interest even when I was doing gospel music. My fans have embraced me in a great way and my songs are doing well. My song, Wendo Niuri Kiriiga is receiving good air play.”
Tony was Kinanda previously worked as a matatu conductor and later sold sausages on the roadside before he found success in mugithi.
“We used to stay in camps in a coffee plantation estate and I was chased by the manager after a small tiff. There is no way you could stay in the camps without working, so I had to leave. That’s when I started selling sausages on the roadside but that business collapsed because I ended up eating all the sausages. Later, I worked in the matatu industry as a conductor,” Olwang says.
The father of two says he was inspired by Gathee Wa Njeri whom he says is his mentor.
“His hit song Wamunyota really inspired me to become a mugithi musician. He has been very supportive,” he states.
