Kenya mourns music great Teddy Kalanda Harrison

According to the late musician’s younger brother, John Katana, Kalanda passed away at his home in Kaloleni, Kilifi County, on 17 September after a long battle with cancer. News reports indicate that Kalanda had been battling cancer since 2018.

Speaking to the local press, John Katana said: “It has been a long painful journey for our eldest brother, who was a source of inspiration to all of us.”

Born to a musical family, Kalanda, together with his brothers George Zirro (deceased), Billy Sarro, Denis Kalume (deceased), and John Katana, founded one of Kenya’s most iconic bands, Them Mushrooms, in 1972.

Today, Them Mushrooms not only continues to play but is celebrated as being at the centre of Kenyan musical heritage.

The band is especially known for its hit song ‘Jambo Bwana’ released in 1980. According to Santa Barbara Music Publishing, the song, which shot to international acclaim, sold over 200 000 copies between 1982 and 1987, receiving platinum certification in Kenya.

“Additional renditions followed with recordings produced in Sudan, Ethiopia, Dubai, Germany, France, Holland, Belgium, Canada, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Switzerland,” Santa Barbara Music Publishing said.

The band’s discography boasts more than 15 albums and popular singles like ‘Unkula Huu’, ‘Wazee Wakatike’, ‘Nyambura’, ‘Ndogo Ndogo’, and ‘Hapo Kale’.

An accomplished saxophone player and vocalist, Kalanda was also the owner of Big Matata Productions record company. The artist was also known for using music to promote charity work, helping raise funds for organisations seeking to reduce poverty and hunger, and those fighting injustice.

Upon receiving the news of Kalanda’s passing, Kenyans took to social media to eulogise the artist and send condolences to his family.

Officials at Kenya’s tourism promotion portal, Magical Kenya, wrote: “Magical Kenya extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Teddy Kalanda. As the band leader of the renowned Them Mushrooms, Teddy will forever hold a special place in Kenya’s tourism history. ‘Jambo Bwana’ is a classic example of how music can boost tourism and national pride. We celebrate your remarkable life and lasting contribution. Rest in peace, Teddy Kalanda.”

Kenya’s Senate speaker and former Kilifi governor Amason Jeffah Kingi wrote: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Teddy Kalanda Harrison, founder of the famous Them Mushrooms band and composer of the hit song ‘Jambo Bwana’. Teddy, an accomplished saxophonist who hailed from Kaloleni in Kilifi County, will be remembered for this iconic song that attained international fame and became a signature tune for marketing our country as a tourist destination. I send my condolences to Teddy’s family at this most difficult moment and pray that his soul rests in perfect peace.”

Illustrator and writer Paul Kelemba (Maddo) said: “A brother of many years. Rest, Mr Groove, you’ve done your part for earth.

Columnist and communications consultant Barrack Muluka said: “Kalanda Harrison, you have gone with a piece of each one of us who knew you, and especially we magical people called ‘Exennials’. You soothed us in hard times. Go well.”

The artist was also remembered as a huge inspiration for many artists from Kenya's Coastal region.

Despite undergoing various transformations over the years, Them Mushrooms has kept its identity under the stewardship of the remaining family members. Some of the significant reorganisations included shifting its base from Mombasa to Nairobi in the late '80s and briefly changing its name to Uyoga Band in 2002.

Kalanda’s legacy endures through his family, particularly his eldest son, Henry Harrison, a musician residing in Sweden.