Them Mushrooms

Them Mushrooms, one of East Africa's most iconic bands, was founded in 1969 in Nairobi, Kenya, by the Harrison brothers—Teddy Kalanda, Billy Sarro, George Zirro, John Katana, and Pius Plato Chitianda "Jibaba." Originally known as "Avenida Success," the group rebranded to "Them Mushrooms" in 1972, inspired by Africa's mystical magic mushrooms. Over five decades, the band has become synonymous with Kenya’s rich musical heritage, blending Chakacha, Benga, reggae, and Taarab with modern hip-hop and rap influences to create a timeless sound.

Their 1982 hit Jambo Bwana (Hello, Mister), written by Teddy Kalanda, sold over 30,000 copies and became a cultural anthem synonymous with its refrain, "Hakuna Matata." Despite challenges like the passing of drummer Dennis Kalume in 1992 and a brief rebranding as "Uyoga" in 2002, the band’s resilience and innovation have preserved their legacy.