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Renowned Kenyan Country music maestro Elvis Otieno popularly known as Sir Henry, recently jetted back into the country after a long European musical tour. The sole driving force behind the mildly appreciated Country music locally staged a thrilling show recently at the new Galileo Lounge.
Meet Sir Henry a celebrated local musician who bares ambition as his middle name and says he is determined to succeed where his predecessors failed.
Sporting a white shirt with a brown cowboy hat a trademark of a Country musician, Sir Elvis picks up his guitar and he excellently strums it introducing one of his evergreen songs, as enthusiast fans dance on the floor.
At far end a group of lanky elderly men are keenly listening to the song as he mixes into another with amazing synchronization.
The internationally acclaimed musician who has been away on a musical world tour in the United Kingdom for close to a month is busy at work doing what he does best during one of his recent shows at the opening of the New Galileeos Lounge, situated within Nairobi’s Westland’s area that has been under full renovation for the last two months.
With free entry the event organized by the club owner Richard Ngatia witnessed a number of revellers from various walks of life who thronged the venue for a memorable live event from one of the most celebrated East African artist backed up by his band.
Looking well, energetic, joyful and as determined as ever to do what he does best on stage for years, Sir Elvis who had been billed the headliner during a special event dubbed The grand reopening of the New Galileo Lounge stepped on stage and showcased an electrifying show.
His incredible expertise on the guitar and original voice that has been described by many as out of this world took revelers down the memory lane as he belted some of the evergreen songs that saw them dance and sing along.
On top of this he used the opportunity to incorporate new styles including many others that are well known among the locals.
The much anticipated show witnessed fans ‘eat’ from the palms of his hands as he churned out the best of entertainment from a variety of his music which boasts of a unique fusion and a more contemporary feel as he used the opportunity to treat fans to a blend of Country instrumentation — something he described as ‘International Country music.
His electric three hours non- stop show which explored old and new country sounds in a contemporary context was something described by many as bigger, better and bolder.
Zambian star Roberto famed for the song Amarula is also expect to stage another huge show on the same venue on June 25.
Earlier on the humble singer who jetted into the country days ahead of his concert took time off an interview with this writer.
When I meet the 39- year old I get the impression that he is a different breed of musician going by his simple and rather down to earth personality.
Popularly known as the undisputed king of local country music he has been described as the most talented yet to some level underestimated because of the mild perception of country music locally.
“I am glad to be back in the country after being away in long UK tour that saw me perform in eight major shows including the final Sevens Rugby Party in London of which I was privileged to be the guest star,” he says.
“I begun from the scratch and even though people loved to listen my music there has never been a serious country star musician locally.”
With an American twang and lyrics of love and longing, Sir Elvis is today among the best-known country artists in Africa. Setting the standard for a continuously growing music scene, his highest wish is to play alongside his heroes.
Inspired by Charley Pride one of the few African-American singer-songwriters to find success in country music he says his dream is to travel to the US and share stage with internationally renowned country musicians such as Charley Pride or Don Williams or Garth Brooks besides interacting with good songwriters, great producers who can harness his potential and record a lot of music to share with the world.
