Abenny Jachiga: Ohangla Maestro of Mano Kasinde & Raila Anthems

Luo Benga musician Abenny Jachiga who's popularly known for his song ‘Mano Kasinde'
Luo Benga musician Abenny Jachiga who's popularly known for his song ‘Mano Kasinde

Bernard Onyango Obonyo, popularly known as Abenny Jachiga succumbed on Thursday morning, June 11 following a short illness.

The 33-year-old Ohangla Maestro had been in music for a number of years but it was in 2017 when he gained popularity for his hit song Mano Kasinde (That's her cousin). 

Starting his music career at the age of 21, Jachiga joined Ohlanga queen Lady Maureen who gave him a platform to showcase his skills.

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Unter the veteran artist's mentorship, performed in different venues and became a sought-after-entertainer in cultural events.

In 2017, Jachiga used Orange Democratic Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga as the inspiration for a song titled 'Raila Odinga'.

In the song, the musician highlighting what the politician had done in fighting for the rights of the people.

He followed up with another titled Raila later in the year remembering all the Luo heroes who'd been killed including veteran Trade unionist Tom Mboya, Robert Ouko and Slain IEBC ICT director Chris Msando.

The Luo musician also wrote a song about Chief Justice David Maraga after he called for repeat elections in 2017.

As a musician, Jachiga used his community, the environment, and the issues in the country to educate his audience and expose certain ills. 

His musical catalogue included hits like Simba manyo, Wendo, Ayaye, Nancy Nyaugenya and Hera. He also released some songs in Swahili including Penzi Ni Kama Yai, Fitina Mingi, and  Nakupenda Sana.

Abenny was married with two children ( a son in class three and a daughter in class four).

The late luo artist Bernard Onyango Obonyo popularly known Abenny Jachiga
The late luo artist Bernard Onyango Obonyo popularly known Abenny Jachiga
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By the time of his death, Abenny was working on his latest album to be released sometime next year. 

His producer, Deno Nguasi of Nguasi Records, stated that they were preparing to release a new album that would have 12 tracks.

In a sad incident in 2019, one of his band members and dancer Vivian Awuor drowned and died in floods while trying to rescue her daughter who had fallen in a sewerage system in Kibra.

Jachiga is said to have succumbed after a short illness at St Jairus Private Hospital on Thursday, June 11.

 

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