Safari Sound Band (Kenyan hotel pop band)

Formed in the late 1970s in Mombasa, Safari Sound Band is a Kenyan hotel pop band. In over twenty years of activity, they were certified platinum four times, and their recordings of Swahili classics such as "Jambo Bwana" (published with title "Jambo, Jambo"), Coconut, Lala Salama, Mombasa (ina Raha), Karibuni Kenya, Pole Pole, Mama Sofia and the popular love song Nakupenda (Wewe) are well known both locally and on the international scene .[citation needed] They have published a number of LP's and CDs, featuring cover versions of African evergreens such as "Malaika" as well as other easy listening Swahili pop tracks. The band consists of six elements (guitar, keyboards, saxophone, bass, drums, and percussions). All the band members also sing. The band became famous for performing at hotels along the Kenyan coast, mixing African pop, Chakacha rhythms, and jazz-influenced tunes that appealed to both local audiences and international visitors. Over the decades, they've released several albums and achieved multiple platinum certifications for their recordings, particularly for compilations of African pop classics. Band Setup: Typically a six-member ensemble with guitars, keyboards, sax, bass, drums, and percussion - all contributing vocals. Longevity: Despite lineup changes and the passing of some founding members, the band has continued performing for over four decades, both in Kenya and internationally. Engineer – Peter Seiler Bongos, Vocals – Dala Hamis Guitar, Vocals – Mahmud Siraj Keyboards, Vocals – Chuli Rishad, Umar Emuroni Percussion – Waiyaki Swaleh Bass – Juma Mzingo Vocals – John Izungu, Susan Wanjiru Composer - Simon Kabwana Studio Albums 1.The Best of African Songs released in 1996, originally 1984: Track listing: 2.African Safari Club Presents Safari Sound & Guest Star Jane Osborne released in 1986: Track listing: 3.African Safari Club Present African Safari Sound released in 1986: Track Listing 4.Mambo Jambo released in 1997: Track listing: 5.The best of African Songs Vol. 2 Track listing: 6. Images of Kenya released in 1995. 7. Mombasa Moon released in 1999. Track listing: 8. East Coast Dreams (1999) Singles released under Polydor Lala Salama/Kenya Safari released in 1981 Mama Lea Mtoto (7") released in 1984 Disco Bui Bui / Disco Lele Mama released in 1985 Pole Pole / Music In Africa released in 1985 Safari Sound Band discography at Discogs https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Safari_Sound_Band_The_Best_of_African_Songs.jpg v t e AI records "Safari Sound Band". Discogs. Retrieved 2026-02-23. "Safari Sound Band". Discogs. Retrieved 2026-02-23. "Safari Sound Band". Discogs. Retrieved 2026-02-23. Lala Salama video