Remembering Musical Kemoli
Dr Arthur Mudogo Kemoli
died on Sunday after a long battle with diabetes and renal disease. Many will
remember Dr. Kemoli for his mastery in composing choral music with pieces such
as ‘Fimbo ya Nyayo’ remaining golden.
Back in February when the
frail-looking Kemoli was hosted by Jeff Koinange on the bench, many Kenyans were
saddened by the condition in which he was in, having conducted the choir during
Jomo Kenyatta’s funeral and performed in virtually all state functions in Moi’s
regime.
Dr. Kemoli lost his sight
to Diabetes five years ago later suffering from renal failure and receiving
compulsory retirement, leaving the music genius without enough money to cater
for his medical bills. Family members and friends later organized a kitty in
which well-wishers donated for him to undergo a kidney transplant.
The death of Dr. Kemoli
comes only four months after the passing away of another great architect of
Kenya’s choral Music Prof. Caleb Chrispo Okumu with whom they
defined Kenyan Choral music.
A music Scholar
Born in 1945, Dr. Kemoli,
a Kakamega and Alliance High School alumni attended the University of Nairobi
where he obtained a first class Honors in Bachelor of Arts (English
Literature), 1970.
In 1970, he travelled to
the United Kingdom to major in Music a passion he had acquired in Alliance,
returning home in 1971 with a Masters of Arts and a Bachelor of Music Part One
from Durham University .
Two years later (1973) he
obtained a Doctorate of Philosophy from Sussex University in the UK.
He was a pioneer African
literature lecturer at the University of Nairobi as well as the founder of the
annual Maragoli Festival of Arts.
He also worked tirelessly
in the growth and development of the Kariokor Friends Choir and the University
of Nairobi Choir, where he served as the director of choristers.
Dr. Kemoli will be
remembered for composing the Organization of African Unity (now African Union)
anthem in 1986 as well as the University of Nairobi anthem.
Some of his notable
publications include ‘Songs for Africa’, ‘Sacrifices for
Africa’, ‘Voices for Ancestors’, ‘The Satiric Voice: Modern African
Writers ’, ‘Adwendende’ (Luhya wedding) and ‘Asio’ (Luhya initiation) songs.
Other pieces Kenyans will
remember him for include ‘Safari ya Bamba ni Machero’ and ‘Mbinguni Kuna Raha’
sang at Kenyatta’s funeral in 1978.
Awards to his name
1970, Shell Prize awarded
him Outstanding student of the University of East Africa (later split into
University of Nairobi, Makerere University and the University of Dar es
Salaam).
1998, The Order of the
Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW) for his extensive teaching and research
experience in literature, development of linguistics and culture in the country
through music.
2002, The University of
Nairobi honored him for distinguished service to the university.
Other great music wizards
who have left us recently include Darius Mbela the former choirmaster at St.
Stephens Church, Jogoo Road and founder of Muungano National Choir Boniface
Mganga.
For more on Dr. Kemoli and
other Music Greats, Daily Kenya highly recommends ‘A Biography of
Kenyan Musicians: Volume 1’ – a book that unveils the faces of the
founding fathers of Kenyan music, their challenges, and vision for the local
music.
The book was unveiled by
the Ministry of National Heritage & Culture early last month. It features
11 artistes namely Mary Atieno, Joseph Ngala, Habel
Kifoto, Kakai Kilonzo, D.O. Misiani, Arthur
Mudogi Kemoli, Mwalimu Thomas Wasonga, Paul Mwachupa
Mwazera, George Ramogi, George Mukabi, and Joseph
Kamaru.
Here is a YouTube clip of
Dr. Arthur Kemoli interview with Jeff Kionange
RIP
‘The Pause is as important as the Note.’ – Truman R. Fisher
Kenyan heroes always go unrewarded
ReplyDeletehad 1 day experience with him but was memorable
ReplyDeleteWen need to do more to our unsung heroes look at the life Legendary Kadenge is living.
ReplyDeleteI attended his burial today though the politicians had to be themselves
ReplyDelete