During my last trip to Kenya, I was privileged to meet with Habel Kifoto, a veteran of the Kenyan Music industry and synonymous with the Maroon Commandos band. Now currently based in Mombasa, Habel Kifoto was in Nairobi and seeing that he is one of the legends of Kenyan music I did not want to pass the chance of meeting him in person.

His story goes back to October 1st 1970 when he founded the Maroon Commandos band of the 7th Kenya Rifles based at Gilgil barracks. An all-round musician, Kifoto played lead and solo guitars, the keyboard, the sax and sung on most of the band’s releases. Together with the late Laban Ochuka and David Kibe, Habel Kifoto composed most the band’s releases.

In the 32 years that he was with Maroon Commandos, Habel Kifoto was instrumental in grooming and recruiting other musicians into the band and he steered the band to remain the most consistent and decorated band. With several albums to their name, Maroon Commandos produced a host of songs that were the hallmark of the then Voice of Kenya, the national broadcaster. They were a common feature especially during public holidays when they performed during state functions.

Among their famed songs are classic hits such as Charonyi Ni Wasi, Cristina, Tucheze Sambale and Uvivu Mbaya, which can be found in the Habel Kifoto & Maroon Commandos Greatest Hits double album available on for download on our website. I have to add that Charonyi Ni Wasi, sand in Taita, is my favorite song.

Habel Kifoto retired on September 20, 2002, as a senior Sergent in the Kenyan Army, and he passed the mantle to a new crop of dedicated musicians led by Tuesday Oguro. He is now serving as the chairman of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya, and is actively involved in minding the welfare of Kenyan musicians.

As we remember Kenya’s independence from the British on the 12th of December, you can bring back the memories of past celebrations by listening to songs from Maroon Commandos. In addition to their Greatest Hits double compilation, we have in store 2 of their newest albums, namely; Shika Kamba and Kenya Unite.

Shika Kamba is a celebration of East African old school music. The album is a combination of the benga and Rumba styles that made Maroon Commandos a household name in Kenya. The album no doubt rekindles memories of the hits of the 70’s. Shika Kamba on the other hand, is a dedication to the healing, reconciliation and uniting of Kenyans after the 2007 post election crisis.