Jokamwala of Kendu Bay are migrants from Nyakach, who had to flee their homeland after animosity between Mwala and his brother Jimo. In the heart of Kamwala lies a tiny village called Weta, and this is the cradle of George Ramogi.
Ramogi was born in this tiny village in 1945. He came into the music scene in 1965, when he formed the Luo Sweet Band. This band recorded its labels with Jojo Records and Equator Heritage. Some members included George Ojijo, Paul Orwa (Jasolo), George Jimmy Likembe, Tom Kodiyo and George Kembo. It's name was later changed to Continental Kilo (CK) Jazz Band in honor of a hotel they had performed in in America.
There is someone for everyone. Ramogi married Rosalia Kiayi, and later on a second wife, Bellah Ajode. 'Alice B Anyango', from the album Ajali ya Sondu is considered Ramogi's first hit. George was a vivid story teller. In 'Ajali ya Sondu', he recounts a road accident in which a lorry killed many. In 1969, Argwings-Kodhek died in a road accident and Ramogi immortalized him in 'Argwings-Kodhek Onindo'. When a group of fishermen perished in Lake Victoria, he immortalized them in 'Rapar Jonam'. In 1994, a group of Kenyans abroad organized a tour for them, financed by Peter Kaula, Opiyo Midiang'a among others. This was the height of their fame. Unfortunately, squabbles arose on how to share the proceeds, leading to the exit of Paul Orwa Jasolo and co.
On December 8, 1997, curtains fell. Ramogi succumbed to a short illness and was buried in his home, Weta Kamwala. Tom Kodiyo and Jimmy Likembe immortalized him in the song 'Rapar George Ramogi' with Orchestre Dumbe Dumbe. A clean and smart man all the time, Ramogi was a force to reckon with and though he is gone, we still feel him in 'Alice B Anyango, Affline the Pretty, Dick Opar, Ouko Oseng', Best wishes to Conny, Agai Koyier and so on. His memory lives on in the Luo Benga music scene
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