We take pride in our ethnicity, and even more pride in knowing that we come from one of the world’s most beautiful countries. There’s no debate that Kenya is warm – thanks to the equator, wild – as a result of our endless wildlife species, and free – from the highlands to the sea.
Do the words ring a bell?
Roger Whittaker’s ‘My Land Is Kenya’ is a perfect example of the beauty of home, the joy of childhood, and the love of family.
The song begins with a serene whistle that draws you into the tune, the cohesion of instruments: piano, guitar and drums, follows shortly after before Roger woos listeners with his baritone voice.
Roger is a world musical genius who calls Kenya home. Although his parents hailed from Britain, he was born on 22nd March 1936 in Nairobi. As a young child, Roger enjoyed the outdoors and was inspired by East African folklore music. He, however, intended to follow in his parents’ footsteps, hoping to be a doctor like his father, or a teacher like his mother. Singing would come much later in his life.
He acquired a BSc in Zoology, Biochemistry and Marine Biology from Bangor University in Wales, but decided to pursue a career in teaching at a civil service education department in Kenya. Despite his love for his work, Roger was still drawn to music, and so his evenings were spent in dimly-lit local bars where he’d sing and play instruments to a small audience.
It wasn’t long before he got into music full time. And from 1962, Roger had a number of musical successes. But of all his wonderful songs, none has resonated with us as much as his 1989 hit, ‘My Land Is Kenya’ – a song, we believe, came from the soul.
One line in the chorus says, “You’ll always stay with me here in my heart,” repeated after each stanza to remind us that wherever we go, as long as we’re beyond our borders, Kenya is undoubtedly home. Whittaker’s song instills pride, and ultimately, makes us love home.
Listen to this Ngoma here – My Land is Kenya
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