John Nzenze
John Amutabi Nzenze (1940 – May 30, 2020) was a Kenyan guitarist. He was born in Nairobi. He had performed the twist dance style.[1] Some of his most popular songs were "Angelike" (released in 1961),[1] "Julieta Rudi Tuone" and "Habari za Nairobi (Nairobi twist)".[2]
He toured Japan, Britain and various East African countries. In 1968 he represented Kenya at All African Music Festival in Algeria, finishing third. Next year the band performed with Miles Davis in Germany.
In 1971, BBC World Service gave them a Best Band in Africa award.[3]
Nzenze died on May 30, 2020 at a hospital in Kakamega, Kenya from problems caused by stomach surgery, aged 80.[4]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Daily Nation, June 14, 2009: At 70, Nzenze still holds on to his guitar
- ↑ Daily Nation, June 5, 2009: Three sing their way to glory
- ↑ The Guardian, July 27, 2001: 'If I didn't save this music no one else would'
- ↑ Legendary Kenyan Twist Singer John Nzenze is Dead