Bill Odidi
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The hardest working man in Radio, Music Writer @BD_Africa, NBO Contributor @musictimeafrica Documentary researcher/writer.
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Articles by Bill Odidi
Mahanjam Mike: Tribute to man who led Kenya’s music recording and radio revolution
A chapter in the recorded music business in East Africa has closed with the death of Mike Andrews, popularly known by his radio moniker, Mahanjam Mike. Andrews, founder of the iconic AI Records, the label that released some of the best-selling records in the history of music in the region, passed away in Nairobi on January 5, 2026, at the age of 87. Andrews was born on September 15, 1938, in London and moved with his parents to Kenya when he was six.
2025 Music Milestones: Hits, artists, documentaries and trends that shaped the year
As the year draws to a close, BD Life reflects on some of the milestones in the music industry in 2025. In an exclusive interview with the BDLife a year ago, singer-songwriter, musician, Bien-Aimé Baraza (of Sauti Sol fame) revealed that he was seeking a new edge to his music by exploring the cultural heritage of his roots in Western Kenya. True to his word, 2025 marked a significant shift in his overall sound and image with the hit single All My Enemies Are Suffering.
2025 Music Milestones: Hits, artists, documentaries and trends that shaped the year
As the year draws to a close, BD Life reflects on some of the milestones in the music industry in 2025. In an exclusive interview with the BDLife a year ago, singer-songwriter, musician, Bien-Aimé Baraza (of Sauti Sol fame) revealed that he was seeking a new edge to his music by exploring the cultural heritage of his roots in Western Kenya. True to his word, 2025 marked a significant shift in his overall sound and image with the hit single All My Enemies Are Suffering.
10 key songs from Joe’s discography ahead of Nairobi concert
Joe Thomas, better known as Joe, the quintessential 1990s American R&B crooner, best known for a string of soulful romantic classics, returns to Nairobi for an eagerly awaited concert tonight, more than 13 years after he first performed in the city. After making his debut as a 20-year-old in 1993, Joe became a prolific star of that decade with a catalogue of hits that turned him into a household name the world over.
10 key songs from Joe’s discography ahead of Nairobi concert
Joe Thomas, better known as Joe, the quintessential 1990s American R&B crooner, best known for a string of soulful romantic classics, returns to Nairobi for an eagerly awaited concert tonight, more than 13 years after he first performed in the city. After making his debut as a 20-year-old in 1993, Joe became a prolific star of that decade with a catalogue of hits that turned him into a household name the world over.
Jimmy Cliff: The man who made reggae a global language hits final note at 81
“I still haven’t written my best song I’m pursuing that all the time. If my music can uplift someone to make them want to live a better life and not give up, that is a big success for me.” Jimmy Cliff For 60 years, Jamaican singer-songwriter and actor Jimmy Cliff stood head and shoulders above other musicians from the Caribbean Island.
Five new albums worth adding to your streaming playlists
From a remastered collection of hits by an icon of Kenyan music, to a new album by a rising star of Afrobeats, and a fresh twist to timeless Christmas songs, here are five albums that have dropped on streaming platforms this month that are well worth adding to your playlists. Heavy Combination 1966-2007 The first career retrospective from one of the all-time greats of Kenyan music contains 17 of the best singles of Joseph Kamaru’s illustrious career remastered from the original tapes.
Kenya’s Jabali Afrika scores second Grammy with peruvian collaboration
When Kenyan band, Jabali Afrika, was invited to record a song on an album by a Peruvian artiste, they would not have imagined that this was going to be their ticket to a second Grammy nomination. The announcement of nominees for the 68th Grammy Awards last week caught the brothers, Joseck and Justo Asikoye, by surprise.
Reissued albums correct 50-year wrong against Kenyan band
An injustice against a Kenyan soul-funk band more than 50 years ago is being remedied through the digital release of the two groundbreaking albums recorded by the group. The Mighty Cavaliers released two classic albums, Fisherman in 1976 and Mapendo a year later but the musicians were never acknowledged by the record company. In 2022, African music collector Dennis Krailing, owner of the German label Want Some Records, bought a collection of albums from Kenya that included a copy of Mapendo.
Creative forum: Storytellers reclaim Africa’s narrative to create greater value
Three years ago, Elisabeth Gomis, a French film director was tasked with the responsibility of writing a concept for a forum of the cultural and creative sectors in Africa. “I knew the music industry was already set up but what are the other disciplines that need to be highlighted,” recalls Gomis, a former journalist who traces her roots to Guinea Bissau.
10 nuggets from Lionel Richie’s memoir ‘Truly’
Lionel Richie is arguably one of the most successful pop musicians of all time, with a career that spans six decades, sales of more than 125 million albums and songs that have been the soundtrack of the lives of different generations of people across the world. His memoir Truly, named after one of his signature ballads, released on September 30, 2025, is filled with heartwarming and often hilarious anecdotes, of how a painfully shy boy from a small town in Alabama US, became a global mega star.
'Sugarcane' singer Camidoh and Bien set to release new song Original
“Sugarcane” singer by Ghanaian artiste Raphael Camidoh Kofi Attachie aka Camidoh was the soundtrack of life for everyone in 2022. From reels to the club to headphones, the song’s popularity is underscored by its 135 million views on YouTube and 72 million plays on Spotify for just the remix version. This writer got to sit down with the singer in Ghana.
At the Shrine, Fela Kuti’s spirit lives on as Felabration thrills Lagos
“This place brings out the best in me,” says an excited Rikki Stein, a music industry veteran best known as having been the manager of Nigerian Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. We are literally on the stage at the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos, as a local band belts out an Afrobeat number; this is the sound that Fela bequeathed the world. It is 11 pm, and there is still a long night ahead, as the week-long festival, Felabration, is just getting started.
D’Angelo: The artiste who gave modern soul a new global language
The late 1990s were a time when Kenyans were just getting used to the crisp sound of FM radio. The popular US urban music show Walt Baby Love heard on syndication through Nairobi’s Capital FM popularised an emerging movement rooted in the classic R&B and soul traditions of the 1960s and 70s, flavoured with a dash of traditional jazz, with underpinnings of hip-hop. The artistes at the forefront of what came to be known as neo soul were Erykah Badu, Angie Stone, Maxwell, Jill Scott, and D’Angelo.
Nyashinski’s ‘Yariasu’ ushers in bold new era with SONY Music deal
The past few weeks have marked a new chapter in the career of Kenyan singer-songwriter rapper/producer, Nyashinski, with the release of his second solo album Yariasu, and a partnership deal with global music industry giant, SONY Music Africa.
Nyashinski’s ‘Yariasu’ ushers in bold new era with SONY Music deal
The past few weeks have marked a new chapter in the career of Kenyan singer-songwriter rapper/producer, Nyashinski, with the release of his second solo album Yariasu, and a partnership deal with global music industry giant, SONY Music Africa.
Wynton Marsalis: 'Pied Piper' of jazz finds his way back to Africa, wows at Bob Collymore Festival
‚ÄúI am Wynton Marsalis. I am a musician from New Orleans. My father is a musician and I have three brothers who are also musicians,‚ÄĚ the iconic American trumpeter, bandleader, music teacher and scion of one of the most famous musical families in America introduced himself thus during a conversation with the BDLife in Nairobi early this week.
Tems first Nairobi show to help build pathways for women in music
When two-time Grammy Award winner Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems arrives in Nairobi this weekend her energy will not only be focused on headlining her first ever show in Kenya, but she will also be looking forward to her new initiative designed to help women find their path to success in the music industry. Nairobi is the second city to host the Leading Vibe Initiative (LVI), a one-day empowerment programme for young women in the recording business.
Mohamed Adam hopes launch of album will help bring peace in Sudan
Sudanese singer, songwriter, and guitarist Mohamed Adam was in the process of completing his debut album in 2023 when a civil war broke out in the country. “I started recording the album four years ago, but it stalled when the war broke out,” recalls Adam. He and a group of other artists fled to Kenya and started rebuilding their lives, and for him, that included starting afresh on his album with a new set of musicians, the majority of whom were Kenyans.
Recent notable albums on streaming platforms
If you are setting up your playlist of new songs this month, then check out these recommendations of notable albums that have recently dropped on streaming platforms. This One Is Personal The Nigerian Queen of Afrobeats returns with her fourth album containing songs that speak to her personal experience of love and heartbreak in a frank and sometimes feisty manner.
Zaituni Wambui shines with debut EP fusing swahili heritage and urban taarab
As a young girl, Zaituni Wambui heard plenty of music influenced by Arab culture and recitals of the Koran playing in her parents’ household. These rhythms left a lasting impression on her and three decades later, the singer-songwriter weaves the rich Swahili heritage into contemporary music, a sound which has made her one of the brightest new recording talents in Kenya.
Nairobi Chamber Chorus celebrates 20 years of growth into a peerless choral ensemble in the region
It is no exaggeration to say that African folk music adds the soul to choral music. In fact, modern choirs transcend historical musical barriers by incorporating elements of popular cultural rhythms. Watching the Nairobi Chamber Chorus perform a choral arrangement of what the choir’s director Ken Wakia describes as the most “widely travelled” Kenyan song, Koth Biro, was one of the most enchanting moments of their 20th anniversary concert at the Michael Joseph Centre, Nairobi, last Sunday.
Kenyan-born Shayoon debuts first single celebrating cultural diversity
There are few ways that can be more satisfying than returning to your country of birth after years of living in different parts of the world, and recording a song symbolising the warm hospitality among the diverse cultures of your homeland. “This track is me stepping into who I am,” says singer-songwriter Shayoon, about her new single Jambo, a collaboration with British-Punjabi artiste H Dhami.
Kenyan-born Shayoon debuts first single celebrating cultural diversity
There are few ways that can be more satisfying than returning to your country of birth after years of living in different parts of the world, and recording a song symbolising the warm hospitality among the diverse cultures of your homeland. “This track is me stepping into who I am,” says singer-songwriter Shayoon, about her new single Jambo, a collaboration with British-Punjabi artiste H Dhami.
‘Pamoja’: Savara’s Isikuti-powered CHAN anthem calls Africans to victory
It is impossible to think back to memorable moments at major football tournaments without remembering the soundtrack to the thrills and spills on the pitch.
From backing stars to headlining: Jukebox band breaks out
Jukebox seems to be the perfect name for a band that performs an exuberant mix of curated music in a format that combines elements of a live band with the skills of a DJ. “Just as you put a coin in the jukebox to play your favorite song, we are a band that is able to play music of any genre,” says Joe “MJ” Muoka, 28, the band’s drummer and percussionist.
‘An Anthology on Love’: Naomi Wachira explores love and healing in new EP
“Tracy Chapman was the reason I started playing guitar,” says Kenyan-born US singer-songwriter Naomi Wachira. “I was enamored with this black woman who was not singing R&B, she was just singing her own thing, and I was like “Oh! You can actually do that? You don’t have to fall into these set categories.” Naomi hopes she can enjoy the same longevity as the legendary singer and guitarist whose 1980s catalogue still resonates across generations of music fans.
Idd Aziz: What makes Kenya’s top global spotify star stand out?
When music streaming platform Spotify last week released the list of the Kenyan songs with the most international streams in the first half of the year, one name sat at the top of the pile. Singer-songwriter and percussionist, Idd Aziz, tops the 2025 Global Impact List thanks to his collaborations with DJs and record producers around the world.
Idd Aziz: What makes Kenya’s top global spotify star stand out?
When music streaming platform Spotify last week released the list of the Kenyan songs with the most international streams in the first half of the year, one name sat at the top of the pile. Singer-songwriter and percussionist, Idd Aziz, tops the 2025 Global Impact List thanks to his collaborations with DJs and record producers around the world.
Okello Max shoots for Pan-African stardom with latest multi-genre album
It is particularly appealing to hear a singer-songwriter with the ability to effortlessly switch their lyrics between various languages while retaining the rhythmic flow of the music. Okello Max has earned critical acclaim among a new generation of Kenyan artistes, by establishing a style that combines the authenticity of cultural rhythms with contemporary global musical influences.
Angélique Kidjo: Defining moments of Africa’s iconic music journey
With five Grammy Awards and a host of accolades to her name, Angélique Kidjo is arguably the most decorated African contemporary music artiste. Being named as the first black African artiste to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is the latest feather in the cap for the singer-songwriter from Benin who turns 65 on July 14th. Kidjo, is among honorees who will be enshrined onto the prestigious Walk of Fame, Class of 2026, for significant contributions to the world of entertainment.
Legends return, new stars rise, and the music keeps playing across generations and genres
July arrives with a mix of new music releases and compilations of classic hits recommended for your streaming playlists. (Original Movie Soundtrack) The soundtrack to the new Hollywood blockbuster combines the orchestral film score by the legendary German composer Hans Zimmer and contemporary music, spanning hip hop, Afrobeats, Country and Electronic Dance Music.
Michael Jackson’s legacy soars 16 years on, breaking records and earning billions
“I’m interested in making a path rather than following a trail. That’s what I want to do in life—in everything I do,” said Michael Jackson in 1979. This week marks the 16th anniversary of the death of the King of Pop. Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50, from cardiac arrest caused by an overdose of the sedative propofol and other drugs. The King of Pop still reigns in the music streaming era as fans celebrate his legacy and a new generation discovers his rich catalogue.
Kasiva Mutua, Islam Elbeiti and Suraj lead the charge in tribute to global rhythms
A multicultural band fronted by a female bassist, a renowned singer and percussionist and a DJ who combines electronic dance music with traditional rhythms, make for an exciting mix of sounds to celebrate this year’s World Music Day in Kenya. Every June 21, the event also known by its French name, Fête de la Musique, brings together artistes and their fans in a showcase of the power of music.
Sly Stone: The funk-rock pioneer who gave the world the beat of change
American musician, songwriter and producer Sly Stone who died on June 9, 2025 at the age of 82 was one of the most consequential contemporary pop artistes of all time. He was the front man of Sly and the Family Stone, the band that pioneered an electrifying combination of soul and funk with psychedelic rock in the 1960s and early 70s.
2000s music stars reissue timeless hits to celebrate their anniversaries
Millennials may find it hard to believe that some of the music that was the soundtrack to their youth is now a quarter of a century old. Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP has just turned 25, ditto Britney Spears’ Oops I did it again. Record companies have made it a trend of tapping into the nostalgia of legacy albums by re-issuing anniversary editions, containing the original tracks, a few bonus songs, either previously unreleased tunes or remixes of the hit songs from those albums.
Dizzy Brains: Madagascar rock band plans to give Nairobians something to think about
It is not often that you get a band from Madagascar playing in Nairobi, much less a hard rock group from the island country off the southeastern coast of Africa. The Dizzy Brains, a socially and politically conscious garage rock band from Madagascar, will play two gigs in the city next week on their first-ever trip to Kenya. They identify with a classic sub-genre of rock, named from the perception that the musicians rehearsed in their family garages.
Kenyan-born Shayoon debuts first single celebrating cultural diversity
There are few ways that can be more satisfying than returning to your country of birth after years of living in different parts of the world, and recording a song symbolising the warm hospitality among the diverse cultures of your homeland. “This track is me stepping into who I am,” says singer-songwriter Shayoon, about her new single Jambo, a collaboration with British-Punjabi artiste H Dhami.
The transformation of Africa’s music business
This final part of a trilogy on the evolution of African popular music focuses on the growing influence of the continent’s rhythms as a global cultural force. What better way to celebrate Africa Day on May 25 than weighing up some of the achievements of a new generation of artists from the continent?
Newly released album, 'Roots Rocking Zimbabwe', retraces soundtrack of colonial liberation movement
The release of an album that retraces the soundtrack of one of the most protracted liberation struggles on the continent coincides with Africa Month and is a reminder of the huge role that music has played in shaping historic events on the motherland.
Genres that laid the foundation for the development of African music
May is celebrated worldwide as Africa Month, and nothing embodies the spirit of the continent than the diversity of its musical rhythms. The success of contemporary sounds like Afrobeats and Amapiano that now attract a manic global following comes from years of relentless struggle to shift African music from the amorphous ‘world music’ categorisation into distinct genres.
Smokey Robinson: Legendary producer-artiste brings a message of compassion and love
In 1960 William “Smokey” Robinson and his band The Miracles, released a song called Shop Around on the Detroit-based Motown Records. The record became the first ever million seller for the young label and started a revolutionary era in music that made Motown an iconic African-American cultural institution.
Tina Knowles Matriarch: A Memoir
In her 2013 song Ring Off, BeyoncĂ© refers to her motherâs resilience and strength coming off the back of the divorce of her parents: Always know that youâve got a daughter. Thatâs so, so proud you took the high road. Now the mother of one of the most successful artistes of all time shares a compelling story of her own life and being a major player behind the scenes of both her daughtersâ success in an eagerly anticipated book that was released on April 22.
African music icons release three new albums with global appeal
Amid the global boom of Afrobeats and Amapiano, one may easily forget a generation of musicians who put Africa on the map during the period when music from the continent was generally categorised as World Music. Three legendary African artistes have released new albums this month, a reminder of their enduring appeal even as their younger counterparts enjoy mainstream pop success.
Amadou Bagayoko: Malian star who overcame disability to conquer the world with soulful music
The music world has been paying tribute to one of the most influential African musicians of the last three decades. Amadou Bagayoko was one half of the Malian husband-wife duo, Amadou and Mariam, who both overcame disability to enjoy phenomenal global success. His death last Friday at the age of 70 has cast the spotlight on the remarkable journey of this blind couple who have charmed the world with their blend of cultural rhythms with rock, pop and soul.
'Jawaya Jathum': Fancy Fingers and Winyo pay homage to traditional roots in new album
Two multitalented Kenyan artistes have released an outstanding album that blends contemporary rhythms with diverse cultural elements, showcasing their strengths as songwriters, instrumentalists and vocalists. Jawaya Jathum is a collaboration between singer-songwriter and guitarist Winyo (Shiphton Onyango) and Fancy Fingers (Polycarp Otieno), the multi-instrumentalist and producer, which dropped on streaming platforms last week.
Chandler Moore: Grammy Award winner US gospel singer tours Nairobi
Flashback to 2021, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, as the world was locked down and movement restricted, music provided solace amidst the experience of pain and solitude. A musical collaboration between two American gospel collectives, Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music, Jireh, was one of the songs whose messages resonated with millions of people the world over at that time.
Angie-Stone: Her death has lit the spark for fans to dig out the golden era neo-soul classics
In recent weeks, there has been a surge in interest on the neo-soul music movement of the late 1990s and early 2000s. The era was a reawakening of traditional soul with contemporary R&B, and flavoured with elements of funk, blues, jazz and hip hop. The outpouring of tributes to Angie Stone, one of the leading lights of neo-soul, who died on March 1, following a road accident in Montgomery, Alabama, has lit the spark for many fans to dig out music from that golden era.
Calvin 'Cocoa Tea': Curtain falls on celebrated Jamaican reggae singer and songwriter
The 1990s was a transformative era for Jamaican music. Not since Bob Marley and the Wailers in the 1970s had the island’s music spread its tentacles around the world with such ferocity. Dancehall music had become a global phenomenon led by artistees like Shabba Ranks, Ninjaman and Yellowman. Another category of artistes, notably Cocoa Tea and his contemporaries Freddie McGregor, Beres Hammond, Frankie Paul, combined streetwise dancehall with melodic, soulful rhythms.
Resilience pushes Njerae on threshold of international success
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day this weekend, music has been a platform for female artistes to express themselves and create their impact on society. The current generation of female artistes is bold, competitive and laser-focused on their careers. It has taken that kind of resilience and determination to put a young Kenyan singer, songwriter and guitarist on the threshold of international success.
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