The Mara Region of Northern Tanzania is famed for being the birthplace of Tanzania's first president, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. On the northernmost part of Mara region lies Shirati town. D.O was born in Nyamagongo, Shirati, on 22nd February 1940. His parents were both musicians and wanted their child to follow their path-sing praises to God. Daniel, on the other hand, wanted to be a secular artist. This led to him fleeing to Kenya in 1960 to pursue his career in secular music.
In 1965, he joined Victoria Boys band. This band would be the main competitor of Ramogi's CK Jazz band. The name of the band was changed severally over time, finally becoming known as Shirati Jazz Band when Daniel took over its leadership. As I will always say, there is someone for everyone. Daniel married his first wife, Felista, in his youth. He later married Beatrice Atieno, well known as Queen Babito.
Owino is responsible for the training of other musicians such as Linet Aluoch Pamba and Queen Babito, who were members of his band. If there was a man who said it as it was, that was Misiani for you. He was known as the musical historian, documenting especially the political changes in his music. This, of course, did not earn him many friends. Misiani was imprisoned several times because of his songs.
On 17th May 2006, D.O closed his eyes forever in a road accident at Mamboleo Junction, Kakamega road. He died aged 66. Raila Odinga would hail him in his condolence as "a rare character whose death leaves a gap in the movement for change". He is survived by two wives and 14 children. He is best remembered for "Bim en Bim, Isabella Nyar Asego, Safari ya Musoma, Auma Nya Kanisa, Piny osemer" among others. He was buried in his home, Shirati Tanzania