Daniel Owino Misiani (22 February 1940 – 17 May 2006) was a Tanzanian-born musician based in Kenya, where he led the Shirati Jazz collective. He was known as the "King of History" in Kenya; overseas and in Tanzania, he was known as "the grandfather of benga", which he pioneered.
Daniel Owino Misiani
Also known as
D.O. Misiani
Born
(1940-02-22)22 February 1940[1] Nyamagongo, Mara Region, Tanzania[1]
Misiani was born in Nyamagongo, a quiet village just north of Shirati in Mara Region, Tanzania, close to the eastern shore of Lake Victoria and the border with Kenya. His parents were singers, but opposed his choice of a musical career on religious grounds. Nevertheless, he moved to Kenya in the 1960s to be a musician. He first recorded with the Victoria Boys in 1965. The band changed its name many times before becoming popular as Shirati Jazz band. He sang mostly in Dholuo and Swahili languages. He is known as a pioneering contributor to the Benga music genre. During his long career he released numerous recordings, with some international releases. He was imprisoned on several occasions for lyrics that were perceived as crossing the line into political criticism.[2]
One of his sons, Robert Misiani, pursued a career as a hip hop musician under the stage name Gun B. Robert was best known for "Nampenda" hit, a collaboration with Pilipili. Robert died on October 20, 2007, due to illness.[3]
Death and legacyedit
Misiani died on 17 May 2006[1] in a road traffic accident at an accident hotspot in Kisumu, on the highway to Kakamega, in a crash between a minibus and a public transport van in which many others were injured. At time of his death, aged 66, he was still an active performer. Misiani, who was polygamous, had two wives (Felista and Beatrice) with 14 children.
After the death of Daniel Owino Misiani, the leadership of his band Shirati Jazz was taken over by his wife and long-time band member Queen Babito (Beatrice Atieno Owino).[4]
^Worlds of the Indian Ocean connecting the past to the future February 19–23, 2009· Nairobi, Kenya: Film: Retracing the Benga Rhythm & Live Concert: D.K.Mwai and Queen Babito 2009-11-06 at the Wayback Machine
daniel, owino, misiani, february, 1940, 2006, tanzanian, born, musician, based, kenya, where, shirati, jazz, collective, known, king, history, kenya, overseas, tanzania, known, grandfather, benga, which, pioneered, also, known, misianiborn, 1940, february, 194. Daniel Owino Misiani 22 February 1940 17 May 2006 was a Tanzanian born musician based in Kenya where he led the Shirati Jazz collective He was known as the King of History in Kenya overseas and in Tanzania he was known as the grandfather of benga which he pioneered Daniel Owino MisianiAlso known asD O MisianiBorn 1940 02 22 22 February 1940 1 Nyamagongo Mara Region Tanzania 1 Died17 May 2006 2006 05 17 aged 66 1 Kisumu Kisumu County KenyaGenresBenga soukousOccupation s Singer guitaristYears active1965 2006 Contents 1 Early life and career 2 Death and legacy 3 Discography 3 1 As a contributing artist 4 See also 5 References 6 External linksEarly life and career editMisiani was born in Nyamagongo a quiet village just north of Shirati in Mara Region Tanzania close to the eastern shore of Lake Victoria and the border with Kenya His parents were singers but opposed his choice of a musical career on religious grounds Nevertheless he moved to Kenya in the 1960s to be a musician He first recorded with the Victoria Boys in 1965 The band changed its name many times before becoming popular as Shirati Jazz band He sang mostly in Dholuo and Swahili languages He is known as a pioneering contributor to the Benga music genre During his long career he released numerous recordings with some international releases He was imprisoned on several occasions for lyrics that were perceived as crossing the line into political criticism 2 One of his sons Robert Misiani pursued a career as a hip hop musician under the stage name Gun B Robert was best known for Nampenda hit a collaboration with Pilipili Robert died on October 20 2007 due to illness 3 Death and legacy editMisiani died on 17 May 2006 1 in a road traffic accident at an accident hotspot in Kisumu on the highway to Kakamega in a crash between a minibus and a public transport van in which many others were injured At time of his death aged 66 he was still an active performer Misiani who was polygamous had two wives Felista and Beatrice with 14 children After the death of Daniel Owino Misiani the leadership of his band Shirati Jazz was taken over by his wife and long time band member Queen Babito Beatrice Atieno Owino 4 Discography editAs a contributing artist edit The Rough Guide to the Music of Kenya and Tanzania 1996 World Music Network See also editLuo people of Kenya and Tanzania Mara RegionReferences edit a b c d Jon Lusk 24 July 2006 D O Misiani Grandfather of benga music The Independent Archived from the original on January 15 2010 Ngaira Amos 2021 05 14 Remembering benga great Daniel Owino Misiani Nation Retrieved 2023 06 09 Daily Nation October 28 2007 Buzz Magazine permanent dead link Worlds of the Indian Ocean connecting the past to the future February 19 23 2009 Nairobi Kenya Film Retracing the Benga Rhythm amp Live Concert D K Mwai and Queen Babito Archived 2009 11 06 at the Wayback MachineExternal links editDiscography of D O MISIANI amp SHIRATI JAZZ Misiani was born to sing benga permanent dead link Daily Nation May 19 2006 Singer Misiani dies in crash at the Wayback Machine archived August 22 2006 The Standard May 18 2006 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Daniel Owino Misiani amp oldid 1177369637, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
