Benga music is popular in Ukambani and other parts of the country. The music genre just like Ohangla, and Mugithi among other genres began a long time ago.
Among celebrated Benga artists include Kennedy Ngunze alias Wa Maria, Alphonce Kioko ‘Maima’, Dominic Muasya also known as Vuusya Uungu, Benard Mbatha alias Kativui, and Alex Kasau ‘Katombi’ among others.
The list is endless but before all these came to be there were Benga godfathers who dominated the region in the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
They died years ago but their music didn’t die with them.
Kakai Kilonzo
Born in 1954 at Kyeleni, Matungulu sub-county of Machakos county, Kakai Kilonzo led the Kilimambogo brothers’ band until his demise in 1987.
He was only 33 years old at the prime of his music career when cerebral malaria snatched him.
Kakai Kilonzo authored the song Ewe Kenya Nchi yangu mostly played during National events. Other songs done by him include Ngungu na Muoi, Wakumbuke Wazazi, Beba Kitambulisho among others. He performed his songs in both Kamba and Swahili languages.
Kakai is buried in Nguluni next to his wife.
Ancent Munyambu
Munyambu died in December 2017 while addressing his fans in the Kamukunji area near a popular joint where he performed religiously on weekends.
Munyambu who is known for songs like Kavola Kamengele, Tana yila wi thayu, Sara Wi wakwa, Siri sya Ma-cowboy among others died at 77 years.
Kijana
Charles Musyoki Kikumbi led the Kimangu boys’ band. He was born in 1972 but died in 2000 after being involved in a ghastly road accident at Katheka Kai Machakos.
He hailed from Matuu, Yatta sub-county and some of his works include Kijana Nditonyeka, Mpenzi Anna, Anita, Mwendwa Maria, and Pole Bondia among others.
David Kasyoki
He led the Katitu Boys band popular for the song Tina Cheza.
Kasyoki known for his artistic skills in playing the guitar died in 2004 at the age of 39.
Other songs done by him include Dr. John Muia wa Kalii, Cheza na Katitu among many others.
