Les Wanyika was a prominent band with Kenyan and Tanzanian members and was … Read Full Bio ↴Les Wanyika was a prominent band with Kenyan and Tanzanian members and was based in Kenya. It was formed in 1978 when guitarist Omar Shabani, bassist Tom Malanga and two other members left Simba Wanyika. They were joined by John Ngereza and Issa Juma. Les Wanyika made many popular recordings, but are best remembered for their 1979 classic Sina Makosa and Paulina. Vocalist Issa Juma left the band soon afterwards to concentrate on other musical projects. The group continued until Omar Shabani's death in 1998. John Ngereza died two years later.

In 1971, two brothers from the coastal region of Tanga, Tanzania, Wilson and George Kinyonga formed a band they would call Simba Wanyika, a Swahili for Savannah Lions. Due to unsteady economic conditions in [Tanzania] in the 70s which strained the music industry, most of the artists of that time migrated to Kenya and other neighbouring countries in search of greener environments. It's no wonder that some of these artists became citizens of those countries. During that time, travelling between the two countries was made easy by the East African community, a tripartite agreement of understanding among Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. After the collapse of the community in 1977, border crossings were made difficult, hence the eventual establishment of permanent base in Kenya by the group. With its development and growth, the band created several offshoots, but most notable was/is Les Wanyika. It's one thing for an artist to migrate in search of career betterment and quite another when a country falsely claims ownership of certain artists who belongs to another country for the sole purpose of looking good and seeking prominence. The so can be said of the song Malaika which originated in Tanzania, cartoonist Geofrey "Gado" Mwampembwa who is a Tanzanian working for the Nation Newspaper in Kenya and the overall location of the mount Kilimanjaro. The Kenyans have been very good on this profession. With Les Wanyika, new members of the group included both Tanzanians and Kenyans. The famous John Ngereza, Issa Juma and Omar Shabani were all from Tanzania, and one Tom Malanga was from Kenya. This band established a permanent base in Nairobi, playing in nightclubs and on various resorts. Most of the group members have either died or fallen victims of age toll.

In 2006, the group was reformed with a new line up

Kajituli Kasuku
Les Wanyika Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Najitulisa kwake kasuku hataki maneno Oyo oyoo hataki maneno hataki matata oiiyoo ooiyoo anashopata kina mtosha oooh

hataki matata hataki matata
Naomba Mungu amsaidie
Daima Milele kasuku

Najitulisa kwake kasuku hataki maneno Oyo oyoo hataki maneno hataki matata oiiyoo ooiyoo anashopata kina mtosha oooh

hataki matata hataki matata
Naomba Mungu amsaidie
Daima Milele kasuku

Najitulisa kwake kasuku hataki maneno Oyo oyoo hataki maneno hataki matata oiiyoo ooiyoo anashopata kina mtosha oooh

hataki matata hataki matata

Naomba Mungu amsaidie
Daima Milele kasuku

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Les Wanyika’s song “Kajituli Kasuku” depict the story of someone who finds solace in a person, symbolized by a parrot named Kasuku. The singer is confessing their vulnerability and dependence on Kasuku, who is described as not wanting any trouble or drama. The repetition of “hataki maneno” (doesn’t want any words) and “hataki matata” (doesn’t want any trouble) emphasizes Kasuku’s peaceful nature and how their presence brings comfort to the singer.

The lines “anashopata kina mtosha” (gets enough food) and “naomba Mungu amsaidie” (I pray to God to help them) add a layer of care and concern for Kasuku's well-being. The singer seems to understand the importance of Kasuku in their life, potentially serving as a metaphor for a lover, friend, or even a religion or ideology. The repeated mention of “Daima Milele kasuku” (forever and always, Kasuku) underscores the significance of this relationship to the singer.

Line by Line Meaning

Najitulisa kwake kasuku hataki maneno
I trust in him like a bird to its nest and need no words, no drama, just peace

Oyo oyoo hataki maneno hataki matata oiiyoo ooiyoo
No gossip, no stress, just some sweet melody that soothes the soul

Anashopata kina mtosha oooh
He finds all he needs in this place of comfort and abundance

hataki matata hataki matata
No worries, no troubles

Naomba Mungu amsaidie
I pray God helps him keep this peace and love

Daima Milele kasuku
Always and forever, my dear bird.

Contributed by Savannah V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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