In 1981 Them Mushrooms issued their first album with CBS Kenya Records, named Mama Afrika after the title song, which was the first local reggae song recorded in East Africa. Their inspiration was Bob Marley. The album didn't sell very well. The general local audience was not ready for reggae at that time. The following years Mushrooms played mainly benga music from Western Kenya and chakacha from the coast and other local popular styles, but kept reggae as their secret love. In 1985 they introduced the style "reggae on benga", a fusion of reggae and benga which was a success. This beat has since been copied all over East and Central Africa. It is similar to soca from Trinidad or souk from the French Antilles.
In 1987 Them Mushrooms moved their headquarters to Nairobi playing at the Carnivore Restaurant. They also started to tour abroad and opened up their own recording studio "The Mushroom's Sound Lab" with John "Bishop" Katana Harrison (with dreadlocks on the photo above) as sound engineer and producer. This studio has been responsibel for a number of very successful releases with Them Mushrooms and other bands.
Like many other African musicians Them Mushrooms have been exploited. Teddy Kalanda Harrisons song Jambo Bwana has been an international hit recorded by Boney M and others, but Teddy never recieved any copyright money. Them Mushrooms have managed to learn their lesson and have gradually created their own production resources and record label. They are now in a position to indepentently direct their own activities. They are a postitive role model for other bands.
Today the lineup of Them Mushrooms is:
Henry Ndenge Saha drums and vocals, Freddy Awalla Onyango guitar and vocals, Dickson Owour Onyango trumpet and vocals, John Katana Harrison keyboards and vocals, Billy Sarro Harrison bass guitar and vocals, Teddy Kalanda Harrison tenor sax and vocals.
Dennis Kalume Harrison (R.I.P.) was a drummer in the earlier productions.
Kenya Hakuna Matata
Them Mushrooms Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Habari gani,
Mzuri sana.
Wageni, Wakaribishwa,
Kenya yetu Hakuna Matata.
Jambo, Jambo bwana,
Mzuri sana.
Wageni, Wakaribishwa,
Kenya yetu Hakuna Matata.
Kenya nchi nzuri,
Hakuna Matata.
Nchi ya maajabu
Hakuna Matata.
Nchi yenye amani,
Hakuna Matata.
Hakuna Matata,
Hakuna Matata.
Watu wote,
Hakuna Matata,
Wakaribishwa,
Hakuna Matata.
Hakuna Matata,
Hakuna Matata
The lyrics in "Kenya Hakuna Matata (Jambo Bwana)" by Them Mushrooms celebrate Kenya as a beautiful, peaceful and welcoming country. The song opens with a Swahili greeting, "Jambo bwana" which means hello sir, followed by "habari gani" which translates to how are you. The response is "mzuri sana" meaning I am very well. The song then goes on to welcome guests to Kenya, where there are no worries or troubles, hence "Hakuna Matata", a Swahili phrase that means "no worries".
The repetition of "Jambo, Jambo Bwana" and "Wageni, Wakaribishwa" throughout the song emphasizes the warm hospitality of the Kenyan people. The song further describes Kenya as a country of wonder, with peaceful people and no worries. The phrase "Hakuna Matata" is repeated multiple times, creating a joyful and uplifting feeling amongst listeners.
In summary, "Kenya Hakuna Matata (Jambo Bwana)" is a celebratory song that welcomes visitors to Kenya and appreciates the beauty and friendliness of the country.
Line by Line Meaning
Jambo, Jambo bwana,
Greetings, Greetings sir,
Habari gani,
How are you doing,
Mzuri sana.
I am very fine.
Wageni, Wakaribishwa,
Guests, are welcomed,
Kenya yetu Hakuna Matata.
Our Kenya, no worries.
Kenya nchi nzuri,
Kenya, a beautiful country,
Hakuna Matata.
No worries.
Nchi ya maajabu
A country of wonders
Hakuna Matata.
No worries.
Nchi yenye amani,
A country of peace,
Hakuna Matata.
No worries.
Hakuna Matata,
No worries,
Watu wote,
All the people,
Hakuna Matata,
No worries,
Wakaribishwa,
Are welcomed,
Hakuna Matata.
No worries.
Hakuna Matata,
No worries,
Contributed by Hunter S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@marygaitho2766
2024 anyone?
@ahmedkaraama4686
I'M From Somalia Love this song matata
@kalamarproductions_Ted.KALANDA
SHUKRAN SANA...
@ilmammourtada4538
I've just watched a report on BBC about this song. I agree that this is the best version.
@rohangoolaub2283
I did tooš
@felixsteuer5730
Im from Germany and that is the nicest Song ever
@kalamarproductions_Ted.KALANDA
DANKESCHOEN BWANA FELIX...
@AnyWayICan
Thank you! I've been looking for this song that Disney stole.
@kalamarproductions_Ted.KALANDA
Now you have it...
@kalamarproductions_Ted.KALANDA
For more of my music please check out https://mdundo.com/a/11535 ...SHUKRAN SANA FOR THE SUPPORTā¦UBARIKIWE ZAIDIā¦ONE LOVE FOR ALWAYSā¦