Freddy Jakadongo quit music a few weeks ago.

I have only recently found my rhythm in attending live performances by our artists. What happened with Musa Juma and others should not happen again: being celebrated only after death. Our artists need to know we value them while they are still alive.

I have been to one of Johnny Junior’s performances, and I wish I could say I enjoyed every minute of it. I cannot, because I did not get a chance to take a photo with him. He is a humble man who barely speaks when off stage. Just a thick cigar between his lips, and his wife Awino by his side, keep him going through the night performance.

From John’s performance, it was clear that his days on stage are coming to an end. He is now an old man, with a beard I admire and hope to copy. He no longer has the high-pitched, youthful voice he once used in Kalisto Baba and Nyasakwa (original version). Now his voice is deep, so deep that you can barely hear the lyrics unless you already know them. From the way he dresses and carries himself, he does not seem like someone who depends only on live performance income. He seems settled, even if he stopped singing today. So it is up to me to attend his shows as soon as I can. When I missed the launch of his latest album in June 2024, I was livid. I still am. Even so, at least I have attended one of his shows.

Musa Juma died too early and denied me the chance to witness his greatness in person. He passed away when I was in Class 2.

From what I have read online, Freddy Jakadongo was one of the best live performers out there. A whole vibe on stage. The man from Komala was a true artist, with hits like Pole, Timbe Hera and Dag e Ngima Miyiero.

Many factors may have contributed to his departure from recording and performing music. It could have been that the returns were not good enough. It could have been health. Could have been internal conflict, or a move to something else. Could have been Ruto. It could even be that the juogi had left him. What is certain is that a void has been left in the Luo music industry.

I will especially miss his song intros. We all knew he was Leah’s brother and John’s son through them. Luo musicians are known for strong intros, but he had mastered the craft.

Duto rumo [all ends].

Reagan..✍🏽