In a radical change in programming, up market club Casa Vera will host rhumba legendary band Les Wanyika on Wednesday.
Considered an upmarket hot spot for the Nairobi elite the joint is frequented by A List Dj’s and international acts.
This residency however denotes a sharp shift in the market, driven by the ever-changing tastes and preferences.
Whether it’s Bien paying homage to Les Wanyika’s Sina Makosa in his latest hit single too easy, or the sound coming out of Okello Max, Ben Soul, Wantendawili or Coster Ojwang rhumba is definitely in the mainstream.
“We have been in the music business since 1978 and in 44 years we have seen many waves come and go,” Band leader Sijali Zuwa said. “People are the ones who create classes, good music has no boundaries.”
The band also performs at other high end venues such as Pots and palms in Riverside drive on Friday, Karen country club and Muthaiga country club. This shift has also been seen in upmarket radio stations like capital fm that have since started hosting rhumba specials.
Considered the pioneers of Swahili rhumba, Les Wanyika have been breaking boundaries since their inception.
Their grand comeback concert last year during their Madaraka Day special has reenergized the genre gathering a wider audience even among young fans.
