Among the many Benga musicians that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting is Joseph Weyally Nyayieka, better known to his fans as George Weya Josee. George Weya, a veteran Kenyan musician, first came into the limelight in 1988 with the chart bursting song Pamela and later Jumapili (Rossa). He went on to form the group Les Safari Band and recorded yet another Kiswahili hit song, Sussy Sussanna, in 1991.

George Weya, a soft spoken artist, performs in Dholuo, Kiswahili and English and his hits have won him many fans, both the young and the old. His songs are philosophical, mainly about the daily life issues, and also praises in favor of friends who have supported him in his musical endeavors.

The sixth child of the late Benard Peter Nyayieka and Domtila Aua was born in 1960, and started his music career in 1977 while still a student at St. Savio’s Secondary School in Nairobi. He initially performed in night clubs before turning to composing and recording his own music. His career has seen him perform with Ochestra Majaliwa, Zaiken Band, Festival Libuka, Du-Zaire of the late Bosho Kayembe, Bilongo Musica and Everest Kings Ochestre.

George Weya is currently a guitarist for Bana Kadori Masanga and also performs for his own band Ochestre Asante Africa Musica. His albums, Suzzy Sazzana, Jowema and Lando Pamela, are available for download in the Benga section.