WINYO

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Born Shiphton Onyango, Winyo adopted the artistic name “Winyo,” which is a Luo word for “bird.” (The Luo are a tribe from the Lake Victoria region of Western Kenya.) He says that he derives his music and musical strength from his forefathers, whose African music was rich in melody and traditional harmonies. https://www.facebook.com/winyo.music/ Winyo’s music is heavily influenced by the old style benga which he has revived albeit with a contemporary modern day feel, yet still maintaining the unmistakable guitar playing style of legends like Ochieng’ Nelly and George Ramogi. His powerful yet mellow vocals are the icing on the cake that makes listening to Winyo, an almost heavenly experience. He sings in his paternal language of Dholuo, Swahili and English, addressing a myriad of social issues ranging from the plight of homeless children to courtship and marriage, and other issues touching on day-to-day life around him. Winyo 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. He 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 Discoveri...