There are a number of music genres associated with Luo musicians in Kenya, with benga, ohangla, rhumba, and Afro-fusion being the most prominent. A “Luo musician”, in this context, is one who writes and sings in Luo language — and not necessarily any musician who hails from the Luo community.
Luo music styles are perhaps the most progressive, creating new stars every year. Between 2020 and 2025, we have witnessed a resurgence of Kenyan music, with ohangla music being of the sub-genres gaining mainstream traction. A number of new superstars have since emerged — think Prince Indah or Coster Ojwang.
When you add these new superstar artists to that long list of popular Luo musicians from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and early 2000s, you get an endless pool of artists or songs from which you can create your playlist. Here are some notable Luo musicians.
1. Musa Juma
Not many musicians have been able to deliver as many hits as Musa Juma did. His blend of benga with Congolese styles made him a staple in Kenya’s entertainment scene is the early 2000s. Musa’s band, Orchestra Limpopo International, was formed alongside his brother Omondi Tony.
Essential listening: “Hera Mudho”
2. Tony Nyadundo
A seasoned musician whose role in popularizing ohangla can never be downplayed, Tony Nyadundo remains as popular as ever. He has toured internationally and often features in local festival lineups.
Essential listening: “Ndoa Ya Machozi”
3. Prince Indah
Prince Indah’s rise has been meteoric to say the least. The singer’s audience is incredibly diverse.
Essential listening: “Nyar Jaduong”
4. Osito Kalle
Osito Kalle is a living benga music legend. He is still active, mostly performing in clubs and resorts around Nyanza.
Essential listening: “Rapar Angeline Achieng”
5. Coster Ojwang
Coster released his ISNM album last October to critical acclaim. Returning recently with a new EP, the phenomenal artist continues to re-write the rulebook when it comes to creating a sustainable music career.
Essential listening: “Nyachula”
6. Suzanna Owiyo
She is one of the first female artists to blend Nyatiti melodies with modern production. Owiyo’s breakthrough song, “Kisumu 100” (2001) was the anthem during the celebrations of 100 years of Kisumu (which at that time was being elevated to a city).
Essential listening: “Wamiel”
7. Otieno Aloka
“Kanungo Eteko” by Otieno Aloka is an undeniable classic. I’d go as far as saying that any ohangla playlist without this song isn’t complete. Otieno is also an adept player of the orutu, the instrument which the traditional form of ohangla was based on.
Essential listening: “Kanungo Eteko”
8. Dola Kabarry
Kabarry became a sensation in the early 200s, dropping hits like “Sella”, “Pamela Atoti” and “Isando Chunya”. Being a young musician then, he was able to infuse urban styles into his music, with his collaboration with with Deux Vultures (on “Adhimabo C”) remaining a club hit todate.
Essential listening: “Isando Chunya”
9. Osogo Winyo
Osogo Winyo’s brand of ohangla music was quite energetic. But that’s not all, he was able to deliver ballad-like singalongs like “Nyakabondo”.
Essential listening: “Nyakabondo”
10. Ayub Ogada
Known as an adept nyatiti player, Ayub’s “Koth Biro” has been covered numerous times by vocalists from all over the world. The song was even used as the movie soundtrack for The Constant Gardner, the 2005 Hollywood film shot in Kenya. Before his passing on in 2019, Ogada recorded a couple of albums in collaboration with guitarist Trevor Warren: Kodhi (2015) and Omera (2022).
Essential listening: “Koth Biro”
11. Johnny Junior
An apprentice to Musa Juma, Johnny Junior had big shoes to fill when the Luo rhumba maestro died in 2011. Junior’s smooth song arrangement and modern visuals helped elevate his brand.
Essential listening: “Nyoremo”
12. Emma Jalamo
Jalamo’s unique fusion of ohangla and rhumba took the country by storm at the beginning of the 2010s decade. His songwriting is thoughtful and laced with personality. Sherry, his 2015 album carrying amazing songs like “Wivu Mbaya“, became an instant classic.
Essential listening: “Wivu Mbaya”
13. Prezda “Igwe” Bandasson
This musician’s style has that Congolese rhumba aesthetic. His lyrics, however, are typically Luo. “Nyisuba” and “Yamo Oloko Kido” are two of my favourites song from Prezda Bandasson.
Essential listening: “Nyisuba”
Suggested Posts:
11 New Ohangla Songs to Listen to in 2025
Top Luo Ohangla Artists to Listen to Right Now
Notable mentions: Onyi Papa Jay, Okello Max, D.O Missiani, George Ramogi, Kabaselleh, Princess July, and Okatch Biggy.
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