Collela MazeeKenya |1954| SwahiliCollela Mazee (real name Richard Owino Osalla) was a Kenyan musician, who was a leading member of the Victoria Jazz band alongside Ochieng Nelly. They were among the originators of the benga music, a music genre with origins in Kenya's Luoland. Born in 1954 in Gem, Siaya District Collela attended Ngere High School where he was introduced to music in the school band. By the time he was through with education, Collela had a basic knowledge of music. Near his father's house, there lived a guitar-player and after school, together with others, he usually went to his place and watched him play. That is how he developed an interest in the guitar. He was still a child and his parents like others, did not want him to become involved in music. The risk of being found out was high and the punishment heavy. When his parents and parents of his friends caught them, they were beaten severely. They built their own little guitars which they strummed on the way back from school. When they came near home, they hid them. That is how they learnt the guitar. “We couldn't help doing it, it was in our blood," said Collela.
