Album Notes

The Nyatiti is an eight stringed instrument played by the Luos and other tribes in East Africa. Some have referred to the nyatiti as the East African harp. While Kenya’s Nyanza province has dominated the field of nyatiti players, it is specifically Siaya District that emerges as the clear leader. The area has produced nyatiti giants such as Ogwang’ k’Okoth, Amolo “Congo”, Apuot Manwar, Okumu Korengo and yes, Lucas Odote, aka, Wajonya. Nyatiti fans witnessing the Japanese player, Anyango Nyar Alego, will not be surprised to know that she learnt the skill in Alego, Siaya District from the masters. Enjoy this rare collection of nyatiti tracks that EHS hopes will expose this unique instrument with its beautiful sound to the whole world.