Kenyans mourn Ted Kalanda, founder of Them Mushrooms and composer of 'Jambo Bwana'

Saxophonoist Teddy Kalanda of the Mushrooms band during tusker party at Tamasha Hurlingham on 6th august 2015. (Photo/David Gichuru)

Kenyans are mourning the death of Teddy Kalanda Harrison, a founding member of the popular band Them Mushrooms, who passed away at the age of 72.

Harrison died at his rural home in Kaloleni, Kilifi County, after a long battle with cancer.

Harrison, best known for composing the hit song Jambo Bwana, had been in declining health for several years.

Teddy Kalanda of the Mushrooms band. (Courtesy)

In 2018, he took to social media, sharing that he had been confined to a wheelchair and was undergoing therapy.

He posted a photo of himself holding a cup of coffee, telling fans, “Beautiful people, this is where I am at right now… In a wheelchair and undergoing therapy for the recovery of the use of my legs.”

In 2018, he took to social media, sharing that he had been confined to a wheelchair. (Courtesy)

The news of Harrison’s passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians, leaders, and fans.

Former Kilifi Governor, Amason Kingi, expressed his sadness, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ted Kalanda Harrison, founder of the famous Them Mushrooms band and composer of the hit song Jambo Bwana.”

Musician and friend Reuben Kigame also paid tribute, saying, “It is with deep sorrow that I have learned of the passing on of my friend Ted Kalanda Harrison. May God comfort the family at this difficult time.”

Fans on social media shared their memories of Harrison and his music. Carol Korie wrote, “RIP Ted Kalanda Harrison, your songs made KBC Radio Taifa a brand. Ndogo Si Kidogo, Nimfuge Ndege Gani, those were the days.”

Teddy Kalanda. (Courtesy)

Ireland Mburu remembered him fondly for his contribution to the band’s legacy: “May Kalanda rest in power. Gave us memories while in Them Mushrooms!”

Cultural commentator Joyce Nyairo added, “Rest in Power, Teddy Kalanda. You blazed the trail and kept the fire burning.”

Them Mushrooms was founded in 1969 under the name Avenida Success, with Teddy and his brothers, Billy Sarro, George Zirro, Pius Plato Chitianda, John Katana, and Pritt Nyale as pioneers.

Them Mushrooms band. (Courtesy)

The band gained widespread fame in the 1980s with Jambo Bwana, which became an unofficial anthem for welcoming tourists to Kenya.

The song’s global impact was further cemented when it was covered by the German group Boney M, introducing Kenyan culture to international audiences.

Their blend of folk Taarab, Sega (also known as Benga), and reggae rhythms captivated fans and helped the band dominate the airwaves during the 1980s.

Hits like Mombasa Tena and Embe Dodo further solidified their place in Kenyan music history. The band became a symbol of Kenya’s vibrant music scene, performing at Mombasa’s beach circuits before moving to Nairobi.

Them Mushrooms band in Mombasa. (Courtesy)

The band’s influence extended beyond Kenya, and they became one of the most celebrated groups in East Africa.

Their music inspired generations of Kenyan artists who blended traditional sounds with modern influences, paving the way for future musicians.

Harrison’s passing marks the end of an era for one of Kenya’s most beloved musical groups. He is survived by his two brothers, Billy Sarro and John Katana Harrison, after losing his other brothers Dennis Kalume and George Zirro in previous years.