DyaLi-O & Simply Blacque Band

DyaLi Ogoti

Musician | Vocal Coach | Poet | Cultural Creative

DyaLi Ogoti is a Kenyan musician, vocal coach, and writer whose rich, charismatic voice and evocative artistry continue to inspire audiences across Africa and beyond. She began singing at the age of 15 and quickly discovered her ability to move and influence others through expressive performance, authenticity, and song.

Her professional journey began in 2002 under the mentorship of the late Achieng’ Abura, where she served as background vocalist and choreographer. In 2007, she joined Suzanna Owiyo’s band, performing on prestigious stages including Sauti za Busara (Zanzibar), WOMEX (Spain), and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival (USA). She also took part in impactful projects such as Because I Am a Girl by Plan International and has supported international acts performing in Kenya, including Les Tchielly Band (Senegal), Anyango (Japan), and Oliver Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe).

Her travels have taken her to audiences across the world, including a private performance in Accra, Ghana in 2018, and in 2023, she proudly represented Kenya at the Burundi Music Expo, marking another milestone in her expanding international presence. She continues to perform at select private functions, maintaining her signature blend of intimacy, cultural pride, and vocal depth.

In 2012, while studying Creative Entrepreneurship, DyaLi founded Simply Blacque, an arts platform committed to nurturing emerging creatives through mentorship, workshops, and live showcases. As a vocal coach and music director, she has worked with Alliance Française Nairobi, Jabali Preparatory School, and Total Care Academy, shaping a new generation of expressive voices.

In 2016, she formed the Simply Blacque Band, a collective of young, vibrant musicians exploring new fusions of traditional and contemporary African music. Her upcoming album, “DyaLi Ogoti – The Journey,” is a culmination of years of live performance, experimentation, and creative evolution.

Beyond music, DyaLi is currently working on her first book, an anthology of African short stories and poems that explore the resilience, beauty, and spirit of African women across time.

Her sound—rooted in Kenyan Benga and infused with West and Southern African rhythms—embodies cultural authenticity, emotional honesty, and a deep connection to the human experience, making her one of Kenya’s most compelling and soulful voices on today’s world music stage.

DyaLi’s journey to self discovery continues.