Them Mushrooms founding band leader, Ted Kalanda Harrison, passed away on Tuesday. He lost his battle against Cancer which had turned him blind. The music industry is in mourning and plans for burial are underway at the Mushroom Villa, Kaloleni, Kilifi County.
Last Wish
According to family sources, Kalanda, 72, had left a last wish to his family members before his death. He asked to be buried three days immediately after his demise. The family spokesperson, however, stated that the family has settled on next Saturday to allow more people to attend the funeral.
Kalanda’s younger brother and fellow musician, John Katana Harrison, said a lot of factors were considered before arriving at the decision.
“We opted to delay the burial, contrary to his wish, but due to public requests as many people are expected to travel from other parts of the country and abroad to attend his funeral,” Katana said.
His death follows that of his youngest son, Louis Malushani, who died in Greece this July.
Condolences Pouring In
News of his demise has spread across social and mainstream media. Radio stations are playing his music back to back as fans call in with fond memories of the late rhumba maestro.
Politicians from the Coast region have also posted condolence messages to the family. Many have promised to attend the burial and offer their support to the family. W
Fellow musicians have continued playing glowing tributes to Kalanda. Among them, are US-based Congolese musician, Samba Mapangala, veteran media personality Fred Obachi Machoka, and gospel musician Princess Farida and her brother Kanda King.
Them Mushrooms
The vintage musical band hailed from the Coast region. They were very popular in the nineties and enjoyed a lot of radio play and international tours. They majored in chakacha, benga, and reggae genres.
Their famous 1982 song Jambo Bwana was the unofficial national anthem. It was very popular internationally and earned Kenya a lot of mileage in tourism as visitors flocked to the sounds of the band. The hit single was penned by the now late, Teddy Kalanda, who was the band leader.
It went on to sell 30,000 copies. Jambo Bwana (which translates to Hello mister), was borrowed from a popular Kenyan folk song of the same name.
The band is a family business and i composed of Teddy Kalanda, Henry Ndenge Saha, and Ben Mutwiwa. They mainly do covers of previously written hit songs.
Them Mushrooms’ popular songs like Wazee Wakatike, Nyambura, Ndogo Ndogo, Unkula Huu, and Hapo Kale.
The group originally played the beach hotel circuit in Mombasa up until 1986. They later moved to the capital Nairobi the year after.
The group almost disbanded in 1992 when its drummer and songwriter, Dennis Kalume, died and George Zirro left the band to pursue a solo career. In 2002 the band was renamed Uyoga, but the name “Them Mushrooms” has since been taken back.
