Posts tagged: choices

Date: October 17, 2013
Venue: Choices Baricho Rd
Time: 8-11 pm
No Cover Charge

About

Every music culture has its story of success and endurance. In Kenya, Them Mushrooms has outlived many groups without losing their focus as a creative and performing band. Five brothers Teddy Kalanda Harrison, Billy Sarro Harrison, George Zirro Harrison, John Katana Harrison, and Dennis Kalume Harrison initially founded the group in 1972. To date, Them Mushrooms is one of Kenya’s most successful bands in a well-rounded sense. Their thumbprints are evident in every discipline that constitutes the music business in Kenya. They have also helped launch and re-launch recording careers for other local artistes.

The death in 1992 of youngest brother Dennis Kalume Harrison, then band drummer, was devastating. The band temporarily broke up, but pressure from the late (mother) Mrs. Mandi Harrison and fans brought them band together again. Band leader and founder Teddy Kalanda Harrison retired on April 2nd, 2001. The remaining brothers have recruited other musicians to complete the band’s line up.

When talking about Them Mushrooms – Kenya’s and East Africa’s popular music group – their hit song Jambo Bwana comes to mind unbidden. The 1980 composition was for years, the band’s most distinctive legacy. Besides its simple and catchy lyrics, its beats and rhythm appeal as if mystically to fans globally. But in a new quest to return to their roots, Them Mushrooms has now created ‘NZELE’ music, which essentially borrows its rhythmic beats from Mwanzele, a traditional beat from Kenya’s’ coast.

The band has 12 albums to their credit and numerous singles released including Platinum selling “Jambo Bwana” (over 200,000 units sold).