‘Afro Twist’ legend John Nzenze kin appeals for help
The late John Amutabi Nzenze will be laid to rest on June 13 at his home in Vihiga, according to the family.
Nzenze, one of Kenya’s music legend, died on Saturday at around 2pm while undergoing treatment at Mukumu Mission Hospital in Kakamega.
His cousin Sammy Ingati said the veteran singer and guitarist had been fighting a stomach condition and hypertension, leading to his admission to the hospital early this year.
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“He was recuperating at the hospital after undergoing surgery,” said the cousin.
Ingati told reporters that the family and officials from Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) Western Chapter, who met on Sunday at the deceased`s home at Kaptech village in Muhudu location of Hamisi sub- county and set the date for burial.
“The meeting resolved body of the late Kenyan music veteran shall be laid to rest on June 13 ,” said Ingati, adding a Sh950,000 budget had been drafted by the funeral arrangement committee.
“Part of the money in the proposed budget will be used to offset medical bill at Mukumu Mission Hospital,” added Ingati who is the family’s spokesperson.
Ingati called on both the national and county governments, fellow musicians and his fans to join hands and help the family raise funds towards the proposed budget.
Among musicians who converged at Nzenze’s home included his bossom counterparts Mzee James Bongo and Mzee John Karakach.
Others were Emmanuel Musindi, Sammy Lumbasi and Job Ilavwesa.
The late Nzenze will be remembered as one of the pioneer artistes behind the popular “Kenyan Twist” music genre of the 1960s.
Some of Nzenze’s memorable songs include Angelike, Ninamlia Susana, Veronica, Ni Vizuri kuwa na Bibi, Marashi ya Warembo, Jerida, Kumbuka Nyumbani among other great hits. - KNA
