Les Wanyika

Les Wanyika

Les Wanyika is a prominent band with Tanzanian and Kenyan members based in Nairobi, Kenya. It was formed in 1978 when drummer Rashid Juma, guitarist Omar Shabani, bassist Tommy Malanga, saxophonist Sijali Salum Zuwa and Phoney Mkwanyule left the Simba Wanyika Band. They were joined by guitarist John Ngereza and vocalist Issa Juma. The Les Wanyika Band made many popular recordings, and are best remembered for their classic, ever fresh hit songs "Sina Makosa", "Jessica", "Barua Yako", "Paulina", "Afro", "Kwanza Jiulize", "Tafuta Wako", "Kajituliza Kasuku", "Nimaru", "Wazazi", "Mbaya Wako Rafiki Yako", "Pamela", "Shirika la Mapenzi", "Ufukara sio Kilema", "Amigo", "Safari ya Samburu", "Nisaidie Baba", "Ni Lipi la Ajabu", "Heshimuni Wazazi", "Esther Nikumbuke", "Sioni wala Sisikii", "Penzi Halina Siri", "Mke wa Kwanza", "Nimebaki Upweke", "Safari Sio Kifo", "Mzazi Wangu Mama", "Mama Watoto", "Dunia Kigeugeu", and "Usia wa Baba", among others. Vocalist Issa Juma later left the band to concentrate on other musical projects. Omar Shabani died in 1998 while John Ngereza died two years later.

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