By Nyang’au Araka
For Gusii region, musician John Ariisi O’Sababu was a household name in the 1980s through the 1990s.
It is chronicled that the musician’s death on a Saturday in April, 1996 shook the Gusii community.
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His compact cassettes flew off the shelves and producers had rough time as they sought to satiate the demand for more.
Most Kenyan artists had not done videos as the idea was not home then.
Although Ariisi left the stage over 30 years ago and is not coming back soon, his music continues to dominate the airwaves.
This dominance hits the crescendo during Christmas festivities, thanks to one of Ariisi’s most popular hits, Engaki y’esuguku (Christmas Season).
Most vernacular stations whose target audience is Abagusii play the song from as early as late November through the month of December.
The song captures the festive season in an extremely compelling manner.
It appears that the melody targeted people who stayed away from home due to work engagements and would only find time to return during Christmas.
The musician puts emphasis that Xmas is time for families to meet at home to feast, celebrate and pray together.
He appeals that as one prepares to return to the village, he should make necessary purchases, which are/were a rarity in most homes at the time he composed the song.
The items include rice, cooking oil and paraffin.
Engaki y’esuguku is a vibrant song that pulses with the rhythm of drums, guitar, jingles and other instruments that sweep the listener off the seat to join others on the dance floor.
To those who understand Ekegusii, the song’s beats echo like footsteps in the warm, golden sand and the heart melts in joy.
Infectious blend
Ariisi’s song is a lively, infectious blend of instruments interwoven with the rhythmic whistles and the joyous chatter that gives one a vivid image of a family on a celebratory mood.
Listening to it, the lyrics are a spirited celebration of the season.
The song speaks of togetherness, sharing food and drinks, to celebrate community love, and one feels the bond that ties a people together.
Undoubtedly, the late musician was a true personification of the soul of Gusii music.
Born in Bonyakoni area of North Mugirango Constituency, Nyamira County, Ariisi’s voice resonated with the rhythms of his homeland.
Between the day Ariisi died and when he got buried and weeks later, his music dominated the airwaves from KBC- Ekegusii service which was based in Kisumu.
This was the only radio station broadcasting in Ekegusii, and the number has since increased to about ten.
He weaved together traditional high life melodies and his music carried the weight of ancestral wisdom and the pulsation of modern life.
Most of his songs which have stood the test of time are laced with poignant messages of unity and resilience, although some of them are about sad happenings like death.
Even so, to those who never saw Ariisi perform, the sound and emotion in songs such as Engaki y’esuguku transports them to a world where the past and present dance in harmony.
Truly, the song, just like a few others, evokes memories of his passing even to those who never met or saw him perform.
it is played by Abagusii in Kenya and allover the world.
Ariisi’s legacy endures through the melodies that still echo in the hearts of those who continue to be touched by his art.
The family of Ariisi has produced other artists including Man Pepe Sagero and Kirwanda Junior.
Also, one of Ariisi’s sons has tried to perpetuate his legacy and their songs are among the most watched on YouTube.
Merry Xmas!
