Over the last decade, Kenyans have witnessed the re-emergence of contemporary folk music which has been popularized by weddings and public functions.

My first encounter with contemporary Kenyan folk music was the all boy band acapella group, Kayamba Africa, at a friend’s wedding held more than a decade ago in Nairobi. I nostalgically remember when the Master-of-Ceremony called out the group to entertain the guests and the ensuing dancing that erupted once the group started belting out their traditional tunes.

In the years that followed, contemporary Kenyan folk music has grown by leaps and bounds. What started as the only acapella group has paved way for others to follow suit. In addition to the original Kayamba Africa, led by Juma Odemba and Moses Ekirapa, there is also Peter Ngeru's Kayamba Fiesta, Esmund Mukasya's Kayamba Roots among others that are also following up in their steps.

The beauty of it all is the diversity of their music. Although their mugithi and isikuti songs are more popularly known, the acapella groups have songs from almost every ethnic group in the country. Some of the songs like Sela, Werokamu, Zangalewa, Safari Ya Bamba and Nginyukagia are better known but among the less known tracks are also some of beautiful ethnic compositions. And you don't have to understand the words to enjoy the songs. In some cases, like Wakariru, Hombe and Boiboiyet, the rhythm and the beats are enough to get one going.

Between the 3 Kayamba groups, we carry 5 of their albums which reflect the diversity of the different ethnic cultures - with songs from Giriama, Kamba, Samburu, Kikuyu, Luo, Luhyia, Pokot, Kalejin, Waswahili, Kisii, Masai, Taita and Meru . For Kenyans looking to reconnect with their culture or discover the richness of Kenyan traditions, these albums are by all means a must own.