Daudi Kabaka Biography

Daudi Kabaka (1939-2001) was an Ugandan-born Kenyan singer. The type of music he is known for is called enga, a popular style in East Africa. His best-known songs include “African Twist”, “Harambee Harambee”, and “Western Shilo”. His song “Helule Helule” was covered by The Tremeloes in the late 60s and became a hit in the United Kingdom.

Kabaka is also well known for his Kenyan classic “Harambee Harambee,” which largely reflects the aspirations of postcolonial Kenya to rebuild their nation together. He collaborated with John Nzenze on three songs: “Masista”, “Bachelor Boy”, and “Nyumba za Tobacco”. These songs were released by Jambo Records and became hits. In 1986, Kabaka released the album Pesa Maradhi Ya Moyo with Maroon Commandos.