Them Mushrooms band founder Ted Kalanda dies at 72

Confirming the death, Kalanda's younger brother John Katana said that he succumbed at his rural home in Kaloleni, Kilifi County after a long battle with cancer.

Kalanda had been battling the deadly disease since 2018.

"It's been a long painful journey for our elder brother, who was a source of inspiration to all of us is music," Katana told the Daily Nation.

Kalanda dominated Kenya's airwaves with legendary hits, including Jambo Bwana, which gained global recognition.

With a knack for playing the saxophone and stellar penmanship, Kalanda founded the band in 1969 under the name Avenida Success and later renamed it Them Mushrooms in 1972.

The 6-man famous group adopted a distinct blend of Rhumba, Taarab and Sega/Benga folk music, composing hits songs Embe Dodo,Wazee wakatike, Bango and Itawezekanaje among others.

Kalanda led the team which included Billy Sarro, George Zirro, John Katana, Pius Plato Chitianda "Jibaba" and Pritt Nyale.

The band has remained active to date under the leadership of Kalanda's younger brother Katana.