He appeared on the Kenyan music scene in 1966 and it was never the same. His name was Laban Juma Toto, of the Gem Clan in Siaya County. Beyond his roots, not much is known about his younger years and upbringing. This mystery man began his career soon after migrating to Nairobi. Certain aspects of music came easy to him: that is playing the guitar, composing and singing. However, he was slightly restricted when it came to language as he was fluent only in Dholuo. Luckily, he did not let this deter him. To attract a nationwide audience, he learned to compose in Kiswahili and began blending both languages in his lyrics.
Juma Toto, or JT, as he is fondly referred to by some of his fans, was truly a man of experience. He was a member of no less than five bands in his lifetime, some of which are nationally revered. He started off as part of the Maishani Beach Boys in 1966, then left the group a year later to join the Stereo Phoenix Band. In early 1968, JT joined Blue Shade Band, which was led by Rhumba legend, Gabriel Omollo. In August of the same year, he moved on to the iconic Hodi Boys Band, where he remained for the next three years. During this time, he released his two most popular songs, “Jaber Mama Rose” and “F.C Gor Mahia”. He later branched off in 1972 to form his own band, Toddy Nationale. The band was active for 28 years and produced much of their music under JT’s own label, Rose Jaber.
Juma Toto was an artist who understood the wisdom behind the words ‘quality over quantity’. Beyond the 70s, his music releases were few and far between. He only released two LPs (long-playing record) in 1992 and an album in 2010. In his words, “Music needs proper research, time and patience”. Despite this, JT was still a busy man. He is credited with having formed the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), of which he was the first director. It was registered as a company in 1983 to fight for the rights of musicians all over the country. He was also the chairman of the Kenya Musicians Union (KEMU), as well as a resident pianist at the Panari Hotel in Nairobi. In his own time, he mentored young artists and passed on his wealth of knowledge about the Rhumba and Benga genres.
In 2019, at the age of 70, Laban Juma Toto passed on after an unfortunate accident that left him in a critical condition.
We salute this legend! His contributions have undoubtedly shaped the Kenyan music industry and his songs have touched the lives of many.
Listen to “F.C Gor Mahia“, the tune JT composed to honour the football giants. This hit went on to become the club’s anthem.
