Remembering Obasie Palinyang, the man who put Iteso music on the map

Obasie Palinyang was an iconic Iteso musician who was famed for propagating Iteso culture through music. The veteran benga maestro started his craft in 1973. At the time of his death he had composed over 70 songs which are archived in local museums and cultural centers.

Obasie’s status as a cultural ambassador earned him recognition nationally. His performances also endeared him not only to common members of his Iteso community but also the leaders alike. He is remembered as a man who united the Iteso community with his songs.

He also jealously guarded the Iteso culture and used the opportunity to advise his clansmen on the best leaders to choose.

Popular songs which the musician produced include Susy, Eloo lakotoi, Akidaun Ipejok, Atwanare,  Emuria koliae, Emanyit Lo Aapi, Kochoitet Eseny, and Abalang Kimusa.

The legendary musician learnt his art from his grandfather Okomo Obasie in 1958 and managed a band that played several instruments, including the eggereger (a single-stringed instrument that can be likened to orutu), and the adeudeu. Obasie’s band also used a special drum called the atenus and always endeavored to use modest dance moves to avoid hurting his audience who comprised of people from all generations.

Most of his songs were lively, exciting his followers and bringing life to dull situations. These songs also helped inspire wisdom on various issues in the society like the need for education, choosing better leaders and morality among others.

Despite his prowess in propagating the Iteso culture through educative, and informative music, Obasie did not have any formal education. Before officially starting his music career, Obasie used to work as a casual labourer at Kaolo sugar plantation in Uganda.

At the height of his career, Obasie Palinyang entertained Kenya's founding father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta in Nakuru and Malaba and former president Daniel Arap Moi at his Kabarak home and in Amagoro.

Obasie Palinyang died on May, 2021 after suffering a stroke which ended his checkered music career spanning that run to almost seven decades.