Sali Oyugi

Sali Oyugi is a Kenyan Singer/Songwriter and Social Activist with a dual heritage from the Lake Victoria region of Kenya and the Tanga region of Tanzania. Sali cherished her dual cultural heritage and took the time to study the traditional rhythms, songs and dances from both the Luo people of Kenya and the Wazigua people of Tanzania. The result has been the beautiful rhythms and sounds Sali brings forth in her guitar playing and vocals during her performances.

Sali started performing while still residing in Kenya, where she mainly worked under the sponsorship of the Alliance Francaise in Nairobi. She got the opportunity to share the stage with renowned South African musician Hugh Masekela.

In 1997 she left for United Kingdom, where she performed at a Solar Energy Convention. It was during this time that she met with renowned Kenyan Singer/Songwriter, Ayub Ogada. After this trip, Sali released her first solo project – a three-song CD, which was well received.

She then moved to in Boston (USA), where she performed with many diverse musicians and ensembles. While in the USA Sali played at the Somerville Theatre, curtain raising for acclaimed world music performer/composer, Oliver “Tuku” Mutukudzi. She headlined the world music stage during the national arts convention. During this time also, she headlined at various festivals including the Africa in April Festival in Memphis, Tennessee.

Her first album ‘Vuma!’ was released in 2002. Her second album ‘The Return: Journey back to the Source’ was released in 2007. In 2008, Sali moved back to East Africa where she continued to perform at The Alliance Francaise and the Goethe-Institut in Nairobi. She has also performed at the Blankets & Wine Festival. In 2010, Sali took a break from performing to work on her fourth album under the working title ‘Mabawa’. During this break Sali took time to work on another album Asante Baba which she donated to the church as a way of thanking God.
Sali has also been featured on the Ketebul “Spolight on Kenyan Music Vol4” in a duo with Suzanna Owiyo on the track titled Makeba. Beyond music, Sali has launched an arts initiative: Leko Arts Initiative which seeks to nurture and develop the talents of children who hail from Nairobi’s challenging neighbourhoods.

After six years of working on the album which started in 2010 under the working title, Mabawa, Sali is set to release the new album which is now titled Uromo sometime during the first quarter of 2016.