Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has joined fans, family and the wider Ohangla music fraternity in mourning the death of celebrated musician Onyango Jasuba.
In a statement shared on social media on November 15, Babu Owino said the Ohangla music fan base had received the news of the artist’s death with great shock and sadness.
According to the statement, Onyango Jasuba passed away in Sindo on Saturday, November 14, as Luo cultural festivals were getting underway.
The lawmaker extended his condolences to the musician’s family, relatives, neighbours, friends and fans, describing the loss as a major blow to the Ohangla music industry.
“It is with great shock and sadness that the entire Ohangla Music Fan Base has received the news of the passing of one of our own, celebrated artist Onyango Jasuba, who passed away yesterday in Sindo, just as the Luo Festivals were picking up,” Babu Owino said.
He noted that the late musician had risen from humble beginnings and worked tirelessly to establish himself as a respected figure in the music industry.
“As Ohangla music lovers, we have lost a great artist who worked tirelessly, rising from very humble beginnings to establish his name in the music industry,” he added.
Babu Owino further assured the family of support from the Ohangla community during the mourning period, saying music lovers stood in solidarity with the bereaved family as they came to terms with the loss.
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The MP concluded his message by paying tribute to the musician’s contribution to the growth of Ohangla music, saying his legacy would continue to live on through his work.
“Rest in peace, Wuod Suba. Your music and legacy will live on.”
News of Onyango Jasuba’s death has sparked mourning among Ohangla fans and artists, with many taking to social media to celebrate his contribution to the popular Luo music genre.
Details surrounding the cause of death had not been made public by the time of publication.
Onyango Jasuba’s Music Catalogue
Onyango Jasuba, popularly known as Nyakwar Dayo, leaves behind a catalogue of popular Ohangla songs including Queen Nyambita, Lencer, Lucy, Nya Uyoma, Mary, Kabaka Ja Nyatike, Gordon Wuod Tanga and Hera Loko Pache, which helped build his following among Luo music lovers.
| Rank | Song | Views |
| 1 | Queen Nyambita | 20K |
| 2 | Lencer | 17K |
| 3 | Mary | 15K |
| 4 | Lucy | 9.4K |
| 5 | Azimio La Umoja | 8.6K |
| 6 | Adhis Nyakoyugi Part 2 | 8.1K |
| 7 | Nya Uyoma | 8.1K |
| 8 | Hera Loko Pache | 6.2K |
| 9 | Kabaka Ja Nyatike | 5.1K |
| 10 | Gordon Wuod Tanga | 2.3K |
About Ohangla Music
Ohangla is a traditional Luo music genre that originated in the Lake Victoria region of western Kenya, particularly among communities in present-day Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori counties.
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The genre takes its name from the ohangla, a large traditional drum that provides the dominant rhythm during performances.
Traditionally, Ohangla music was performed during ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, harvest celebrations and communal gatherings, where singing, drumming and dancing formed an important part of social life.
Over the years, the genre evolved from a purely traditional form of entertainment into a modern commercial music style while retaining its characteristic drum patterns and Dholuo-language lyrics.
Ohangla songs commonly address themes such as love, marriage, community affairs, culture, politics, social issues and everyday life.
The genre has produced several notable artistes, including Tony Nyadundo, Onyi Papa Jey, Emma Jalamo and Prince Indah. Today, Ohangla remains one of Kenya’s most popular indigenous music genres, attracting audiences well beyond the Luo community.
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