Bana Sungusia Band: Bana Sungusia songs have to move with time and fuse with rhumba and benga

Bana Sungusia band from Kisii, Nyanza region. PHOTO | BMS

Despite band challenges in Kenya increasing due to government policies and modernisation, the popular Bana Sungusia Band from Kisii County has not been left behind in the entertainment industry.


As the band marked its 24th-anniversary last month, the members are considering on their long journey, during which they have studied the fusion of the benga sound and rhumba in their shows.


The majority of bands from the Nyanza region, mainly from the Luo and Gusii communities, appeared to drift more towards the benga sound, Bana Sungusia, from the beginning sought to enhance their offering.


Now they want to extend their interest beyond the lake region.
The legendary Ochieng Kabaselleh, who, with his extreme size, had an incredible likeness to Congolese maestro Pepe Kalle, was one of the Kenyan musicians who pioneered blending benga and rhumba beats.