Go Back
Udulele
First Name: 
Other Names: 
Last Name: 
Stage Name: 
Country: 
Born: 
Primary Language: 
Other Languages: 

Participations

34
Performer
32
Songwriter
24
Producer
Bio
John Oriwo, better known by his stage name Udulele, is a renowned artist who has received numerous awards for his exceptional talent as a singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and audio engineer. He is widely recognized as the father of soulful Benga and Kantingwati rhythm and groove, an enchanting musical style that serves as the core of Bengatronics, the acclaimed studio he co-founded in Nairobi. Udulele's impressive discography features captivating tracks like Wakalala, Adungu Love, Subira, and Lamu Tamu. His debut album, "Soulful Benga Vol. 1," released in October 2022, showcases notable collaborations with Ayrosh and Nyati Dysa. Notably, he was honored with the Latin America Green Award 2021 for his composition "Piny Maru" in "Ventanas, Vol. 2."
Discography
Albums1
Soulful Benga Vol.1
Soulful Benga Vol.12022 • AlbumTracks: 11
EPs1
Ololokwe
Ololokwe2023 • EPTracks: 3
Singles9
Anyango
Anyango2023 • SingleTracks: 1
Lamu Tamu
Lamu Tamu2023 • SingleTracks: 1
Lamu Tamu
Lamu Tamu2022 • SingleTracks: 1
Biwamiel
Biwamiel2022 • SingleTracks: 1
Macho Gololi
Macho Gololi2022 • SingleTracks: 1
Wakalala
Wakalala2022 • SingleTracks: 1
Looking Back
Looking Back2020 • SingleTracks: 1
Subira
Subira2020 • SingleTracks: 1
Adungu Love
Adungu Love2020 • SingleTracks: 1
Label
Record Label associated with Udulele - past and current.
    Similar Artists
    Noumoucounda Cissoko
    Noumoucounda CissokoSenegal |1920| French
    Noumoucounda Cissoko, hailing from a prestigious Griot musical heritage in Senegal, is a highly skilled kora player, percussionist, and vocalist. His upbringing, with a famous kora-playing father and a vocalist mother, shaped his musical prowess and deep understanding of rhythm and melody. Collaborating with his brother, he innovatively fused the kora with diverse musical genres. After going solo, he joined Positive Black Soul in 1994, touring globally and collaborating with renowned artists. Noumoucounda embodies a contemporary urban griot, showcased in his debut album "Faling" (2012), which led to international travels. In 2017, he co-founded Karantaba Records, culminating in his 2019 release, "Noumoukan Wilila," addressing themes of development, education, and women's rights in Africa.
    Bixiga 70
    Bixiga 70Brazil |2010| Portuguese
    Bixiga 70 is a Brazilian band that mixes elements of African, Afrobeat, Brazilian, Latin, and jazz music. Formed in 2010, the name Bixiga 70 is linked to the address of Estúdio Traquitana, where the band was born, located at 70 Rua Treze de Maio, in the Bixiga neighborhood, in São Paulo.
    Johnny Kongos
    Johnny KongosSouth Africa |1945| English
    John Theodore Kongos is a Greek-born South African singer-songwriter. He is best known for his 1971 Top 10 smash single "He's Gonna Step on You Again", which Happy Mondays subsequently adapted as "Step On". His second huge success was "Tokoloshe Man", which appeared on the TV programme Life on Mars as well as the CD soundtrack. Kongos began his career in South Africa with his band Johnny and the G-Men in the early 1960s. In 1966, he relocated to the United Kingdom to pursue a musical career. "Kongos," his debut solo album, was released in 1971 and peaked at number 30 on the UK Albums Chart.
    Karim Ziad
    Karim ZiadAlgeria |1966| Arabic
    Karim Ziad is a talented Algerian musician percussionist, drummer, singer, and composer. His unique style fuses North African music's richness with soulful jazz sounds. Starting in Algiers with a hard rock band, Ziad later pursued biology studies in Paris, where he immersed himself in the vibrant jazz scene. His exceptional jazz drumming caught the attention of renowned artists like Cheb Mami, Khaled, and Idir, leading to collaborations with other notable musicians. A trailblazer in contemporary jazz and North African music, Ziad's innovative compositions resonate worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on the global music community, inspiring artists and enthusiasts alike.
    Sipho Gumede
    Sipho GumedeSouth Africa |1952| English
    Sipho Gumede was a prominent South African jazz bass guitarist, born in 1949 in Cato Manor, Durban After beginning his career as a session musician in the 1970s, Gumede went on to establish himself as a successful solo artist and bandleader in the 1980s, releasing several acclaimed albums that fused traditional South African rhythms with jazz and other contemporary styles. Throughout his career, Gumede was a passionate social and political activist who used his music to draw attention to important issues such as apartheid and poverty. He collaborated with many other musicians and played a key role in the development of the South African jazz scene, earning numerous awards and accolades along the way. He passed away in 2004.
    Linda Sikhakhane
    Linda SikhakhaneSouth Africa |1992| Sesotho
    Linda Sikhakhane is a renowned South African saxophonist and composer, known for his exceptional talent and passion for jazz. Guided by Dr. Brian Thusi and Mr. Khulekani Bhengu, he honed his skills through music classes and pursued a Music program at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Collaborating with esteemed South African musicians and international artists, he showcased his distinct style in his debut album, 'Two Sides, One Mirror,' released in 2017. Sikhakhane's dedication extends beyond his own artistry, actively mentoring and teaching aspiring musicians. With bursaries and accolades, he continues to inspire and contribute to South Africa's vibrant music scene.
    Guewel Fatou
    Guewel FatouSenegal |1964| French
    Fatou Diouf Guewel, born in Senegal, hails from a renowned griot lineage, immersed in the musical heritage of the Mouride community. Inspired by Cheikh Mohamadou Kara Mbacke, she embarked on an extraordinary artistic journey. Today, Fatou Guewel stands as Senegal's foremost female musician, captivating audiences with her talent and empowering performances. Her music embodies the vibrant spirit of Senegal, pulsating with the rhythm of mbalax. Rooted in African traditions and infused with Arabic influences, her majestic voice soars above a captivating ensemble, leaving audiences spellbound. With her international acclaim, Fatou Guewel has become a symbol of inspiration and cultural heritage on the global stage.
    Paa Kow
    Paa KowGhana |1974| English
    Paa Kow (pronounced Pa-ko) is a Ghanaian drummer and composer known for his unique Afro-Fusion sound that blends traditional African rhythms with jazz and roots music. Dubbed "Ghana's most artistic drummer" by Modern Ghana, he has toured internationally and shared stages with African and American luminaries. Paa Kow plays a custom, hand-carved, traditionally inspired Ghanaian drum set that is the only one of its kind in the world. He aims to spread the music and culture of his homeland through his Afro-Fusion Orchestra.