Date: September 26, 2013
Venue: Tree House, Museum Hill
Time: 8.30-11 pm
Entry: Free
About
Ochieng’ Nelly was born Nelson Ochieng Orwa in 1943 in South Nyanza. He began playing the guitar in his teenage years after being taught and inspired by the pioneering Congolese Musician Adolf Banyore. He is credited as being one of the pioneering fathers of Benga.
Ochieng’ Nelly got his first guitar in 1961. He travelled widely through Uganda, Congo and other African countries. He was widely exposed to Congolese guitar playing styles. He developed his own unique playing style that was later a big influence to the sound of the Ogara Boys Band, and Benga music in general.
Nelly worked with his Congolese mentor, Adolf Banyore, for a while before joining The Ogara Boys Band in 1962. The Ogara Boys Band consisting of founding member John Ogara Odondi and Aketch Oyosi was formed in 1960. Together the trio started and developed a unique sound that got the name Benga, in 1963.
In 1966, Nelly left Ogara Boys Band to pursue his career elsewhere. He briefly collaborated with another Benga legend, George Ramogi.
Ochieng’ Nelly has produced several songs such as: Monica Abio, Ombua Akelo, Celestine Juma, Samuel Aketch among others. His story is featured extensively in the Ketebul Music produced documentary: Retracing The Benga Rhythm.
Despite his old age and having a limp he got after a road accident, Ochieng’ Nelly remains a very active musician playing a regular venue three times a week in Nairobi’s South B area. He is also recording material for an upcoming CD consisting of some of his old hits and new songs at Ketebul Music Studios. Some of the songs feature collaborations with his peer from his Ogara Boys days, Aketch Oyosi.
Currently, Ochieng’ has released a seven track EP that was recorded live at Ketebul Music Studios during a rehearsal session. The EP features Ochieng’ Nelly on guitar and vocals, and accompanying vocals by his son and protégé, Jared “Akuku Danger” Ndede.
For instance some have argued that Alison Hinds’ hit song, “Roll It Gal” is not
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