Full Name: Daniel Owino Misiani
Date of Birth: February 22, 1940
Place of Birth: Nyamagongo, Tanzania
Date of Death: May 17, 2006
Place of Death: Kisumu, Kenya
Profession: Musician, Bandleader
Genres: Benga
Band: Shirati Jazz
Languages: Dholuo, Swahili
Notable Titles: “King of History” (Kenya), “The Grandfather of Benga” (Internationally)
Early Life and Background
Daniel Owino Misiani, born on February 22, 1940, in Nyamagongo, Tanzania, was a pivotal figure in the development of benga, a popular genre in East Africa. His village, located near Shirati and close to the Kenyan border, was where Misiani’s musical journey began. Raised in a musical family, with both parents being singers, Misiani was naturally drawn to music from a young age. However, his family, rooted in religious beliefs, initially opposed his pursuit of a career in music. Despite these objections, Misiani followed his passion, and in the 1960s, he made the life-changing decision to move to Kenya in search of a future as a musician.
Career and the Rise of Benga
Upon arriving in Kenya, Misiani joined the Victoria Boys band in 1965, marking the beginning of his recording career. As the band evolved and rebranded multiple times, they eventually found enduring success as the Shirati Jazz Band. Singing in both Dholuo and Swahili, Misiani’s music struck a chord with audiences across East Africa.
Daniel Owino Misiani is widely credited as a pioneer of benga music, a genre that emerged in the 1960s and became a defining sound in Kenya. Benga is characterized by its upbeat, rhythmic guitar riffs, typically played in a fingerpicking style, and lyrics that often reflect social issues, love, and daily life. Misiani’s contributions to benga helped establish it as a genre that resonated deeply with the Luo community, and it later gained widespread popularity across East Africa.
His music, however, did not shy away from addressing political and social issues, which sometimes put him at odds with the authorities. Over the years, Misiani was imprisoned several times due to the politically charged content of his lyrics, which often critiqued societal and government issues.
Musical Influence and Legacy
Throughout his career, Misiani released countless records, becoming a key figure in the evolution of modern Kenyan music. His band, Shirati Jazz, became the vehicle through which benga music reached new heights, not just in Kenya but internationally. Misiani’s mastery of the guitar and his socially conscious lyrics earned him the title “King of History” in Kenya, a reflection of his ability to document and comment on historical and political events through his music.
Internationally, he was celebrated as the “Grandfather of Benga”, a genre that has influenced generations of East African musicians. Misiani’s recordings have been included in compilations such as The Rough Guide to the Music of Kenya and Tanzania (1996), which helped bring his music to global audiences. His album Benga Blast! with Shirati Jazz, released around 1989 by Virgin Records, further cemented his international reputation as a leading figure in East African music.
Family and Personal Life
Daniel Owino Misiani’s personal life was as vibrant as his music. He was polygamous, with two wives, Felista and Beatrice (Queen Babito), and a total of 14 children. His family remained deeply connected to his musical legacy. After Misiani’s death, his wife Beatrice, also known as Queen Babito, took over the leadership of Shirati Jazz, ensuring the continuation of his musical heritage.
One of Misiani’s sons, Robert Misiani, also ventured into music, choosing a different path in the form of hip hop under the stage name Gun B. Robert became known for his hit song “Nampenda” in collaboration with Pilipili, though tragically, he passed away on October 20, 2007.
Death and Continuing Influence
On May 17, 2006, Daniel Owino Misiani tragically lost his life in a road accident near Kisumu, Kenya, at the age of 66. The accident, involving a collision between a minibus and a public transport van, not only took his life but injured many others. Misiani’s untimely death was a significant loss to the Kenyan and Tanzanian music scenes, but his contributions to East African music live on through his recordings and the artists he influenced.
Misiani remained an active performer up until his death, continuing to perform benga music that resonated with the daily lives of the people in his community. His musical legacy is carried forward by his wife Beatrice and the Shirati Jazz Band, who continue to perform and preserve his contributions to benga.
Discography
Albums:
- Benga Blast! with Shirati Jazz (1989, Virgin Records America)
Contributions:
- The Rough Guide to the Music of Kenya and Tanzania (1996, World Music Network)
Conclusion
Daniel Owino Misiani’s profound impact on East African music, particularly the benga genre, has left an indelible mark on Kenya’s musical landscape. Known for his infectious guitar rhythms, socially conscious lyrics, and innovative style, Misiani’s music transcended borders and generations. As the “Grandfather of Benga,” he not only pioneered a genre but also inspired countless musicians to continue the tradition of storytelling through music. Even after his death, Misiani’s legacy lives on through his recordings, his band, and the many musicians he mentored and influenced.
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