Kayamba singer’s sad song as curtain falls

By George Orido

Bius Obunde, the Kayamba singer who was buried at the weekend, lived a humble life in spite of his interactions with the ruling elite that he entertained for a living.

And in a cruel twist of fate, he died weeks apart with his mentor, Boniface Mghanga, the Muungano Choir founder who met and drafted Obunde to join his famous outfit where he honed his skills, and prepared for a life on the performance stage.

Obunde with Kayamba Afrika singers, the outfit that gave him fame. Photos: Photos/ Courtesy

Mghanga.

Obunde showed his mettle after joining the Mama Lucy State House Choir, where he composed patriotic song, Madaraka, winning national acclaim.

Sadly, Obunde’s story is also a familiar script, just as other artists gone before him: He may have performed for presidents, ministers and well-heeled brides and grooms, as well as corporate leaders, but that did not translate into a meaningful existence for the singer.

This is largely due to unscrupulous management that cannot guarantee royalties from artistes, and policies that bequeath broadcasters a blank cheque to decide the levels compensation deemed adequate.

As Obunde clung to the final gasps of breath, eating porridge off his wife Millicent’s hand in Mbagathi District Hospital in Nairobi, his popular songs may have been entertaining guests somewhere, a sad post-script for someone who gave others joy.

At the weekend, he made his final journey home, detouring through Kariobangi church, where he spent many years of his creative life.

Obunde was buried in Sidho village in Kano plains, Kisumu County by friends, family, and a medley of musicians.

Obunde is survived by his widow Millicent and children Felix, 10, Leone, 8, and eight-month-old Gyan.