Kenya Special: Selected East African Recordings From the 1970s & '80s

by Various Artists

Kenya Special: Selected East African Recordings From the 1970s & '80s cover art

Highlighting a deeply underrepresented era of East African music, this collection focuses on the vibrant, cross-cultural pop music recorded in Nairobi during the 1970s and 80s. The tracks showcase a mesmerizing blend of indigenous benga rhythms with imported Congolese rumba, funk basslines, and swirling psychedelic guitars. It remains an essential, joyous archival document of a highly innovative and deeply rhythmic musical melting pot.

Genres

  • Muziki wa dansi
  • Benga

Tracklist

  1. Ware Wa
  2. Mu Africa
  3. Watoto Nyara
  4. Mama Matotoya
  5. Ngwendeire Guita
  6. Wendo Ti Mbia
  7. Nitarudia
  8. Sina Raha
  9. H.O. Ongili
  10. Thoni Na Caki
  11. Nana
  12. Ng'ong'a Wa Mwanjalo
  13. Sweet Sweet Mbombo
  14. Mutumia Muriu
  15. See Serere
  16. Leta Ngoma
  17. Mngeni Mali Yare Yore
  18. Tiga Kurira
  19. Kivelenge
  20. Teresia
  21. Keep Change Kairitu
  22. Mwendwa
  23. Pelekani
  24. Nzaumi
  25. Afrousa (Move On)
  26. Tamba Tamba
  27. Yanagiria Kayo
  28. Week End
  29. Kibe Kibe