Words Anyiko Owoko
In the Luo language, predominantly spoken in Western Kenya, Winyo is a bird. It's also the nickname Kenyan musician Winyo was given by his mother as a child because of his sweet vocals.
Since then, Winyo has found success and admiration far beyond his family home, including being the only Kenyan finalist in the Radio France International (RFI) Discoveries Award 2011.
Former lead vocalist and guitarist of Kenyan trio Rateng, Winyo is now focusing on his solo career and developing his unique style, which borrows largely from the popular Kenyan genre, benga.
We caught up with the singer-songwriter as he prepares to release his debut album, Benga Blues, in Kenya.
Your sound has been labelled 'world music', along with the likes of other African artists including Youssou N’Dour and Baaba Maal. What is your take on that?
That’s a western terminology. There is no such thing as African music; renowned African artists like Baaba Maal don’t call their music as such. My style is benga blues because I mix the originality of Kenyan music with modern sounds of jazz, traditional folk and taarab.
You have performed on the same stage as successful African artists including Baaba Maal and Lokua Kanza. How did that come about?
I have toured Europe extensively, and it was just serendipitous that during that period they were both on tour. I am glad to have had the opportunity to perform alongside them. It helped me realise that every African artist has a chance to share with the rest of the global audience.
You defected from your first musical family, the Rateng, to pursue a solo career. How do the two compare?
I don’t see it as a solo venture. We are still friends and occasionally play at gigs together. Our time together was like a project that had come to its actualization. We had agreed upon producing an album and after our debut release, Thumology [a distortion of the word 'music' in Luo, meaning 'music-ology'], that was it.
How distinct are you from the old crop?
Expression! I grew up with my grandmother in the village. That gave me a chance to learn and observe a lot of everyday African issues. My album tells of stories of love, land, fights, seasons and dancing. This is exactly what I always wanted to do and I believe a solo career accommodates my passion better.
Quite a number of Kenyans don’t know that you were recognised in the RFI Discovery Awards. Would you say you are an underrated artist in your country?
Well, not entirely. I think that the Kenyan audience is beautiful and keen on listening. Media hype isn’t necessarily a mirror reflecting rich music. The faster you enter this industry, the faster you exit. Subsequently, the longer you take as a singer; the longer you will live among your audience. Longevity in music needs no haste. Look at an artist like Franco; he is long gone but his music still lives among us all.
Winyo will release his debut album, Benga Blues, in Kenya on December 9 at the French Cultural Centre on Monrovia Street, Nairobi. For more info visit www.ketebulmusic.org