My land is Kenya: How late Roger Whittaker’s song has made a mark in Kenya

Born March 22, 1936, in Nairobi, Kenya, Whittaker was a linguist with the ability to speak multiple languages among them Kiswahili, French and German.

It is his record titled 'A Musical Safari - My Land Is Kenya' that has made him a darling in Kenya.

The song, which pays a musical homage to the serenity, richness, and cultural diversity of Kenya, became a beloved anthem for both Kenyans and his global audience.

The song begins with a serene whistle that draws you in followed by a genius cohesion of acoustics, and musical instruments. The guitar, piano and drums, blended together with his baritone voice, come together to create this melody, so beloved by Kenyans.

The track showcased his deep connection to Kenya, featuring lyrics that celebrated the nation's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance.

The song, under Whittaker's record, a musical safari, is presented as the Whittaker's journey through Kenya. The song I am Back, by the same artist, sets the stage for Whittaker's song, My Land is Kenya.

In the documented three-part series of the Musical Safari, the artist speaks of his deep love for Kenya, and Nairobi.

In the year 1982, Whittaker, was inspired to embark on a cinematic venture in his beloved homeland of Kenya, with cameras rolling for over a period of six weeks. In the documented musical Safari, the artist reminisces about his time in Kenya.

He missed the night sounds, where the Maasai Mara comes to life. He referred to Maasi Mara as the garden of Eden. He praised the people of Kenya for their parks, their animals and their smiles.

The outcome of this creative endeavor, which came to be called "Roger Whittaker in Kenya," represented a fusion of storytelling, music, and the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya. The film, produced by BBC, showcased Whittaker’s deep connection to his roots and his desire to share Kenya's compelling history through his own lens.

The lyrics of the song, My Land Is Kenya, which go to show just how deep Whittaker’s connection to Kenya is, show his appreciation for Kenya’s wild and nature.

 “My land is Kenya, so warm and wild and free, you’ll always stay with me here in my heart, my land is Kenya, right from your highlands to the sea, you’ll always stay with me here in my heart, here in my heart."

Patriotism through Whittaker’s song

Since he released the song in 1982, the tune has transcended time and has been sung in live performances, classical renditions, covers and remixes. The song has been adopted as a patriotic song and is sung during national celebrations in Kenya.

The National Assembly, when it launched its YouTube channel in April 2017, adopted the song My Land is Kenya, in its introduction.  In this particular version, the song video shows the richness of Kenya’s cultural heritage, our rich wildlife and vibrant social life.

Reggae fans can live vicariously through Whittaker tunes. In 2020, Artist F.M Jeremy adopted the song using a reggae version. The song acknowledges Whittaker, as the composer, maintains all the lyrics.

The song was also performed as a beautiful instrumental rendition by Kenya’s quartet - MOIPEI sisters.

Roger Whittaker's legacy as a multilingual musician and a gifted artist with over 50 million records sold worldwide is proof that the music will transcend to future generations.

Kenyan leaders mourn Whittaker

Kalonzo Musyoka took to X to eulogize the music icon. He pointed out that beyond the enchanting rhythms and melodies that characterized his music.  “Whittaker's work showcased the impact of Kenya's wonderful drumming and infectious rhythms on his songwriting. In his 1982 record, ‘A Musical Safari - My Land Is Kenya,’ he passionately celebrated this artistic connection, capturing the essence of the nation,” Kalonzo said.

"As Kenya celebrates 60 years of independence, his hit 'My Land is Kenya' remains one of the most beautiful tributes to the beauty of Kenya and appreciation of our cultural heritage," said Ezekiel Mutua, paying homage to Whittaker's contribution to Kenyan music and culture.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also mourned the music icon.

"His 1982 hit song ‘My Land is Kenya’ played a significant role in promoting Kenya as a breathtaking tourist destination,” Mudavadi euologised.

Whittaker was born to parents from Staffordshire in England: a father who owned a grocery store and a mother who was a teacher by profession.

He was drafted into national service, and spent the next two years in uniform in the Kenya Regiment, until 1956, when he went to South Africa to pursue Medicine.