Charles Odero Ademson a.k.a. Makadem is one of the most renowned artists in Kenya, known for his fusion of Kenyan music with his native Luo benga music. He began his career as a tour guide in Mombasa and entertained guests with his guitar. He now combines benga and ohangla styles that he refers to as “Anglo-Ohangla,” a fusion of ohangla (traditional Luo music based on Luo drums), nyatiti (based on a Luo lyre), and dodo (traditional Luo music singing style) styles of music mixed with other modern African beats with heavily accented Luo-English vocals.
From the Festival
Makadem (center) plays the kalimba during a workshop session with Joseck Asikoye (left) and Justo Asikoye, members of Jabali Afrika at the Karibuni Stage.
Photo by Pruitt Allen, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
Makadem (second from left) and members of Jabali Afrika take part in a “Songs of Struggle” discussion session at the Karibuni Stage.
Photo by Pruitt Allen, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
Charles Odero Ademson (Makadem) performs on the nyatiti on the Ngoma Stage.
Photo by Pruitt Allen, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
