Songbird Winyo To Play This Thursday At Choices Baricho Road.

Winyo Winyo Winyo. Where do I begin?

I waxed lyrical about him here when he had a concert earlier this month. 

Well he will be at Choices this Thursday, and you have no excuse not to attend seeing as friday is good friday and therefore a holiday.

According to Ketebul’s website, he was born Shiphton Onyango. Winyo adopted his artistic name ‘Winyo’, which is a Luo word (a tribe from the Lake Victoria region of Western Kenya) for “a bird”. The reason for this becomes apparent once you hear him sing. His voice has been likened to that of a singing bird.

Winyo is described as a singer/songwriter and arranger of great sensitivity and also plays the guitar, backed by his 4 piece band of accomplished musicians. He derives his music and musical strength from his fore fathers, whose African music was rich in melody and traditional harmonies. His musical style ranges from traditional Luo melodies infused with witty story lines, afro fusion and afro jazz, to a contemporary interpretation of Benga, transformed into an authentic acoustic sound. His powerful yet mellow vocals are the icing on the cake that makes listening to Winyo, an almost heavenly experience.

Winyo sings in his paternal language of Dholuo, Swahili and English. His stories address a myriad of social issues ranging from the plight of homeless children to courtship and love stories. He started off as part of the critically acclaimed and accomplished trio named ‘Rateng’ (which means Black in Luo), cutting his teeth as the composer, vocalist and guitarist of the group. Winyo was instrumental in the writing and composing of the group’s album titled ‘Thumology’, which was released in 2009.
In 2010, Winyo was shortlisted as one of the ten finalists in the Radio France International (RFI) Discoveries. He went on to be the overall first runners up. This was followed by a second nomination and top ten shortlisting in RFI Discoveries in 2011.

Two interesting facts I got from the site, is that he wrote and arranged Niwe, Nguga ii Baiskeli, Malaika (Arrangement), Fever (arrangement) for Valerie Kimani’s debut album Baiskeli. He’s also the singer behind Angalia Saa for Ukoo Fulani Mau Mau. Winyo is also a professional photographer, actor and a TV producer. He is currently the executive video producer for a Kenyan media company called Big foot productions, which has produced several local TV shows.