Them Mushrooms

The original band was a family affair that comprised of five brothers: Teddy, John, Billy, George and Dennis Harrison.
Teddy, the eldest, loved music and his interest was piqued by his uncle’s numerous records and gramophone. A self-taught guitarist, he loved to perform. He taught his siblings how to play the instrument. The band’s first performance was at a wedding in Chonyi, Kilifi, in 1972. The band wanted to stand out and ‘The Mushrooms’ wouldn’t cut it. So, on 12 December, 1972, the band became Them Mushrooms, with Teddy adding the ‘m’.

Although their focus was lingala and benga music, the band covered songs by artists such as James Brown, Madonna, Wilson Pickett, Kool & The Gang and Earth, Wind & Fire. In 1979, while listening to tourists who were struggling to learn Kiswahili, Teddy decided to come up with lyrics to help them along.

That’s how 'Jambo Bwana' was born. While other local bands thought it ridiculous, everyone else who heard the song fell in love with it. The track became an instant hit. One of the visitors who happened to listen to their performance of the song had been a director at Polygram Records. He convinced them to record the track with Polygram. When they did, the song took the world by storm in 1980.

1982 was a good year for the band. Not only did they get a chance to tour the United Arab Emirates for three months, but 'Jambo Bwana' sold 50, 000 copies, too – the sales shot to 100 000 and 200 000 in 1984 and 1987 respectively. Teddy has long since retired from the band, but the current lineup, however, includes two new bandmates: vocalist Nikita Nyamanga and Eddie Denah, the drummer.

Them Mushrooms defined popular music back in the day. Today, the band that still plays authentic Kenyan music, remains relevant even after four decades in the industry.