AFRICAN HERITAGE BAND-HANDAS,MIRUNGI,MIRAA OR KHAT

The African Heritage Band was a Kenyan band formed in 1979 by musician Job Seda (Ayub Ogada) and Alan Donovan, the co-founder of the African Heritage House. The band combined electric instruments with traditional African ones like the nyatiti, congas, and thumb pianos, playing at the African Heritage Gallery in Nairobi and touring internationally. The band included many of Kenya's top musicians at the time and was known for its charismatic performances and unique blend of traditional folk and modern jazz music.
Formation and early years
Inception: In 1979, Alan Donovan, with the idea of creating a band for his fashion shows, approached musician Job Seda (later known as Ayub Ogada).
Core Members: The band was formed with the best musicians in Kenya, some of whom had previously been in the band Black Savage.
International debut: The band traveled to Belgium for its first international tour shortly after forming.
Musical style
Hybrid sound: The band blended traditional African folk music with jazz, creating an upbeat sound for both local and international audiences.
Instrumentation: They mixed electric instruments with a variety of traditional African instruments, including the nyatiti, wooden flutes, congas, thumb pianos, and cowbells.
Key members and legacy
Ayub Ogada: A pivotal member who also played the 8-stringed harp, the nyatiti. He later gained international fame, performing with artists like Peter Gabriel and having his music featured in films like The Constant Gardener.
Jack Odongo: Joined the band as Jack Otieno and later became a film actor, a producer of Kenyan bands, and a gospel musician.
Other notable members: Wally Amalemba, Gido Kibokosya, Samite Mulondo, and Goro Kunii were also core members who went on to have successful music careers.
Venues: The band frequently performed live at the African Heritage Gallery in Nairobi, creating a cultural hub where music, fashion, and art intersected.
Conclusion
The African Heritage Band was a groundbreaking Kenyan musical group that bridged traditional and modern music. It was a launching pad for many successful musicians and played a key role in promoting Kenyan music both domestically and internationally.