Veteran Kenyan rumba musician Juma Toto dies

Toto died this morning at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) due to a brain hemorrhage after collapsing on 6 September.

Toto will be remembered as the co-founder of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) and is deemed as one of the pioneers of the rumba genre among his peers

"We're heartbroken to learn the news of the untimely passing of Juma Toto who will remain as one of the best rumba musicians I have ever worked with to date,” veteran Kenyan producer and author Tabu Osusa told Music In Africa. “He was a great composer, guitarist and singer. He was very committed when it came to the welfare of musicians, and that was why he founded MCSK and headed the musician's union. My deepest sympathies to his loved ones..”

According to the Shades of Benga book, Toto's professional music career began in 1966 with the Maishani Beach Boys in the capital Nairobi. A year later, he left the group and joined the Stereo Phoenix Band. In early 1968, he briefly joined the Blue Shade Band, which was led by the late benga musician Gabriel Omolo.

In August 1968, he joined the Hodi Boys Band, which remains to be one of the greatest Kenyan bands to date. With the group, he released hits such as 'Jaber Mama Rose' and 'Gombato'. His most popular release is 'FC Gor Mahia' that he composed for the Kenyan football club of the same name.

In 1972, he left the Hodi Boys Band and teamed up with Kenya's most celebrated rumba musician, Ochieng' Kabaselleh, with whom he formed Todi National Band, but band politics forced the two musicians to part ways.

In 1992, Toto teamed up with Osusa to produce two LPs – From Man to Man and Nyako Ma Ok Ososmo – the latter of which included the title song that was recently sampled by Kenyan Afro-fusion musician Makadem on 'Orudo Aye'.

In 2010, Toto released his last album Oyundi Ni Se Se, which was recorded in Swahili and his native Dholuo. 

"Music needs proper research, time and patience," he told The Standard in 2010. "I feel the quality of local music has gone down. Current musicians should emulate the likes of George Mukasi of 'Mtoto Si Nguo' fame, Ochieng' Kabaselleh, Fadhili William, Gabriel Omollo and Daudi Kabaka if they hope to make an impact."

Listen to 'FC Gor Mahia' below: