One of the ways we preserve our history is through music. We sing tales of our triumphs as a people in our songs. Our culture is kept secure in the songs we hear every day. One only needs to never forget the melody and the words they’ve been taught and there it is! A history book in the mind. Wimbo Wa Historia is such a song.
This song was originally written and performed by Enock Ondego. He began teaching at the age of 17 because he was the only breadwinner for his family, but through this position, he discovered his interest for music. After the Independence struggle, he composed the song, which he titled “Wimbo Huu Ni Wimbo Wa Historia.” He first performed the song in 1969 and it became clear that the lyrics outlined the detainment of the Kapenguria Six, the subsequent mourning of the nation for its founding fathers, and the nation’s triumph after the events surrounding Independence. The song would be taught to primary school children for years to follow.
In 2018, Leyla Mohamed, a young girl from Eastleigh, brought the historical song back to the forefront of our minds. Collaborating with DJ Pinye, the duo revamped the song in a minor key, giving it a mood of mourning, which our ancestors would have had during that fateful season. Her voice flows over the notes of the song seamlessly, calling us back to our history as a nation.
When Wimbo Wa Historia is sung, it calls to memory all the ‘bingwa wa uhuru’ who fought for our national pride and independence. Leyla sings, she reminds us of our heroes without whom this country would be nonexistent. Turning our eyes to the past, with her youthful expression, Leyla is the voice of the next generation, inspiring a spirit of responsibility for the land of Kenya.
From the words of Odengo to the voice of Mohamed, this Wimbo stands among the list of celebrated Kenyan songs.
Listen to this Ngoma here – Wimbo wa Historia
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