Blasto Ooko: Final bow for music icon

Samuel Blasto Ooko, a revered figure who shaped the Kenyan choral music landscape is dead. Blasto passed away on September 16 at Kijabe Hospital in Kiambu. He was aged 70.

At the time of his passing, he was working on compiling an ACK hymnal book with among others Music director Richard Khadambi.

His passing marks the end of an era in Kenyan choral music, but his spirit will live on through his compositions and the musicians he inspired.

Fondly remembered for his extensive work as a choir director, composer, arranger, and soloist, Blasto leaves behind a legacy that spans five decades.

His life was a symphony, and his creative compositions and arrangements continue to resonate across generations, from sacred hymns in churches to stirring patriotic songs for the nation.

Blasto's love for music began at a young age, and he quickly developed a gift for writing.

His compositions became integral to Kenya's choral scene, with over 1,500 pieces to his name, performed across the world..

His work, blending grace, lyricism, and cultural resonance, often tapped into folk melodies from various Kenyan tribes, bringing a rich, authentic sound to his performances.

Blasto's most iconic works, such as 'Jiwe la Pembeni', 'Binadamu Unaitwa', 'Musa Ninakutuma', and 'Cha Kutumaini Sina' became timeless anthems, performed on stages around the world.

His score for 'Jiwe la Pembeni' was particularly notable, cementing his status as one of Kenya's most celebrated composers. Blasto's music was not limited to the sacred; he also dived into patriotic songs and anti-tribal compositions.

His most iconic patriotic composition, 'Twampenda Moi', praising the second President Daniel Arap Moi, became a national favourite, as did 'Ukweli na Usemwe', which celebrated the handshake between Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta.

His musical contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the Head of State Commendation (HSC) for exceptional performance in choral music.

According to Festus Gafla, a longtime friend, Blasto was born in 1958 in Changamwe, went to Changamwe DB school, then Tudor Day for Secondary Education.

He joined Siriba Teachers Training College and was posted to Mwereni Primary School, Mariakani and Mbauro Primary School in Wundanyi and Taita Taveta among others.

He enrolled at Kericho Teachers College for a Diploma in teaching before he was posted to secondary schools.

He got an opportunity at Kenya Power and Lighting and then KenGen where he doubled up as a music director.

His musical journey in the late 1970s. During this time, he also served as the choirmaster at St. Peter's ACK in Mariakani.

Blasto's music journey was not without struggles. In an interview, he once said; "I was not an overnight success. I went a long time with a lot of rejection, so you've got to have the stomach for that, too. It gave me the inspiration to write 'Jiwe la Pembeni'."

His determination and resilience paid off. He went on to compose over 1,500 pieces of music, blending grace, lyricism and cultural melodies.

Blasto's genius lay in his ability to fuse Kenyan folk music with contemporary elements, drawing inspiration from various tribes and musical traditions across the country.

He was known for adapting folk melodies from the Luhya and Luo communities, creating arrangements that were both emotive and deeply rooted in cultural heritage.

He served as Choirmaster at various churches, including ACK St Luke's Makupa, All Saints Cathedral Nairobi, St Stephen's Jogoo Road and Mombasa Memorial Cathedral.

His passion for music and liturgy led to his induction as the fourth Canon at ACK St Luke's Makupa in 2018. He was also a co-founder of the Masters Chorale, a group that found international success and helped pioneer experimental sounds in Kenyan music.

Blasto's dedication extended beyond composition. He mentored young musicians and was heavily involved in adjudicating choral festivals across Kenya.

Blasto's influence was not limited to Kenya. In January 2024, he joined over 50 choir directors from nearly 20 dioceses across East and Central Africa at the International Hymn Festival in Uganda.

Despite his national and international acclaim, Blasto remained humble. On his 70th birthday this year, he wrote, "The Good Lord has been very good to me for all these 70 years. He deserves a trophy. I want to thank God Almighty for protection and love. I am 70 years young. God has brought me from far, and yet He will take me very far. I can only say God is good in these languages. 'Izubha U Wedi Pada, Mungu ni Mucha to. Ngai ni Mwega. Ngai ni Museo. Mulungu ni Mudzo.'"

According to the planning committee, a musical concert to celebrate 50 years of his music career, will double as a fundraiser to defray the funeral expenses on Tuesday, September 24 at St Stephen's ACK Jogoo Road.

He is survived by a widow, five children, 3 sons and two daughters.

Musicians who had the privilege of working with Blasto remember him fondly.

"He was a gifted composer, conductor, and arranger of great renown. His pieces were very popular with directors of music and choirs in Kenya. He was affable, amiable and had a sanguine personality always working well with all," said Prof Fredrick Ngala, Chairman of the Kenya Music Festival.

A message from the Permanent Presidential Music Commission said: "His beloved compositions have left a lasting legacy, touching the hearts of many with messages of unity, hope, and love. Ooko's expertise and commitment to nurturing Kenyan talent through adjudication and mentorship will forever be remembered. His joyful spirit, generosity, and dedication to choral music enriched the lives of those he encountered, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of our country. His impact will continue to inspire generations."

Music director Richard Khadambi described him as "one of the greatest little-known artists on earth" and "an amazing songwriter, author, arranger, and soloist."

"Blasto was a songwriter who could pack an entire cinematic experience into a few short minutes... His writing had the power to do what only the best creative works can: transport the listener," said Khadambi.

"Blasto was not just a composer; he was a beacon of light in the Kenyan music industry. His simple yet profound songs resonate in the hearts of many, embodying messages of hope, love, and unity," said Sylvester Otieno, one of his mentees.

Evans Mbinji, who collaborated with Blasto in his later years, shared a personal anecdote: "I requested him to write a song, Owete Duto Nokedo, for the Damacrest Senior School Choir, which we won at the Kenya Music Festival. Little did I know it would be his last arrangement!"

"He wanted to infuse humour into his music. His arrangements were much more hip, related to pop, yet deeply rooted in tradition," said ACK St Stephen's Jogoo Road music director, Daniel Madalanga.

Friends International Centre Ngong Road director, Fanuel Demesi, said, "Blasto's music was the score of many of my life moments. He was creating powerful, personal music. We are left with a beautifully crafted body of work that will live forever."