The iconic Benga musician Princess Jully, renowned for the soulful hit "Dunia Mbaya," has passed away at the age of 51.
The celebrated singer, born Lillian Auma Aoka, succumbed to multiple organ failure yesterday at 4pm while undergoing treatment at Migori County Referral Hospital.
Her son, Walter Oguda, revealed that despite showing signs of recovery earlier in the week, her health deteriorated rapidly. Her death has left a void in the Kenyan music scene, marking the end of a legacy that spanned decades.
The artist had been battling illness for the last two months, having been admitted to the hospital in August and later transferred to the High Dependency Unit. Her family had taken to social media to rally prayers and support from fans, hoping for a turnaround.
Unfortunately, the complications from kidney and heart failure proved too much for the beloved musician to overcome.
Princess Jully’s career rose to prominence in the 1990s, with "Dunia Mbaya" resonating across Kenya as a poignant commentary on life’s struggles and the choices people make. The song, inspired by the tragic fates of her friends, cemented her status as a voice for the downtrodden and a chronicler of real-life experiences through music.
Unlike many artists, she had a unique gift of crafting lyrics from memory, often recording hits without the need for written material, a trait her son Walter described as "genius."
Despite her success, life was not without hardship. Following the death of her husband, Princess Jully, in 1997, took a hiatus from music and returned to their home in Nyatike, Migori County.
The transition marked a period of struggle as she adjusted from her high-profile lifestyle to a quieter life in the countryside. She ventured into gold mining, livestock, and tobacco farming to sustain herself, demonstrating the resilience and strength that had defined her music career.
In 2020, Princess Jully made a much-anticipated return to the music scene, drawn back by an unshakeable passion for Benga music. Dreams of melodies and memories of her performances kept calling her back, and she couldn’t resist the urge to once again embrace the stage.
Fans saw her not just as a musician but as a cultural symbol who had faced life’s toughest challenges and emerged with her voice intact.
Her band, Jolly Boys, remained loyal to her throughout these tumultuous years, a testament to the strong bonds she had formed within the music industry. Despite the difficulties, her voice continued to captivate audiences, reminding them of the days when her songs echoed through the airwaves.
Princess Jully's story is not just that of a Benga queen but of a mother, a fighter, and an artist whose legacy will live on.
Walter, who is also a director in Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko’s Press Unit, spoke of a woman who had "fought gallantly" for her family and career. Her tenacity and dedication ensured that, even without formal education, her children received the best she could offer.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga expressed her sadness, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Princess Jully. Despite facing many challenges, she has secured her place among fans of Luo Benga music. Her role in raising awareness of and fighting against HIV/AIDS through entertainment is unparalleled. May she rest in peace.
