Ayub Ogada

• Genre: Africa

About

From Underground busking in London to performing on stage with Peter Gabriel, Ayub Ogada's charm is ever apparent. Playing the nyatiti, an ancient East African lyre-like instrument, while simultaneously shaking bells on his legs, Ogada begins to sing and the listener is immediately entranced. Neo-traditional songs rooted in his Luo roots have a haunting quality and a humble integrity that communicates beyond the barriers of culture and language. Joined by other talented Kenyan musicians and artists from the Real World stable, his music remains sparse but never lacking. His supple, high voice hypnotizes his audience like a shaman chanting a healing song or a father singing a lullaby.

- Robert Leaver