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BioThem Mushrooms is a Kenyan musical band renowned for their Chakacha, Benga, and reggae style of music. Founded in 1969 as Avenida Success, the band changed its name to Them Mushrooms in 1972.
The band consists of five brothers: Teddy Kalanda Harrison, Billy Sarro Harrison, George Zirro Harrison, John Katana Harrison, and Dennis Kalume Harrison and they are famous for their Swahili 1982 hit song "Jambo Bwana."
Initially, they played the beach hotel circuit in Mombasa before moving to Nairobi. The group's music is a fusion of Taarab, Sega/Benga folk music, and African and international influences such as Franco of TPOK Jazz, Otis Redding, Madonna, and many more.
The band almost disbanded in 1992 following the death of their drummer and songwriter, Dennis Kalume.
Nonetheless, they renamed themselves Uyoga in 2002 before returning to the name Them Mushrooms.
With several hits to their name, Them Mushrooms is regarded as East Africa's premier band.
DiscographyAt the Carnivore2012 • AlbumTracks: 7 Going Places2007 • EPTracks: 6 Jambo Bwana (Remix)1993 • SingleTracks: 1 Jambo Bwana1991 • SingleTracks: 1 