Tony Nyadundo

Full name	Tony Nyadundo
Date of birth	1968
Country	Kenya

Tony Nyadundo, born in 1968 in Kal, Tanzania, is a legendary Kenyan musician famously known as the "King of Ohangla." His journey to musical royalty was far from direct; after moving to Kisumu in 1978 and eventually dropping out of secondary school due to lack of fees, he spent several years working as a tailor in Bungoma. He later joined his elder brother Jack Nyadundo’s band before striking out on his own, spending time performing for fishing communities in Migori and navigating the tough Nairobi club circuit. His persistence paid off with the 2002 release of his debut album, Ayaki, which catapulted him to national fame.Nyadundo is credited with single-handedly modernizing the Ohangla genre by replacing traditional heavy percussion with a faster, more energetic tempo and introducing his signature mouth organ (harmonica). This "Ohangla Soul" style bridged the gap between traditional folk and urban pop, making it a staple in Kenyan nightclubs and radio. Over a career spanning several decades, he has released massive hits like "Isanda Gi Hera," "Ndoa ya Machozi," and "Obama," toured extensively in Europe and the United States, and won the 2007 Kisima Music Award for Best Traditional Artist. Beyond his technical innovations, Nyadundo is celebrated for his resilience, having risen from performing for plates of food to becoming one of Kenya's most influential and enduring cultural icons