Winyo

Winyo is one of Kenya’s most compelling contemporary artists. Known as the “Benga King,” Winyo is celebrated for his ability to blend traditional Benga music with Afro-jazz, blues, and soul. His name, meaning "bird" in Luo, reflects the ethereal quality of his voice—a signature sound that captivates audiences worldwide. Winyo’s debut album, Benga Blues, reimagined the traditional Benga sound while preserving the iconic guitar techniques of legends like Ochieng’ Nelly and George Ramogi. The fusion of traditional and contemporary influences, paired with his soulful vocals and heartfelt storytelling, won Winyo international acclaim and cemented his reputation as one of East Africa’s most exciting artists. A former Radio France Internationale Discoveries Award finalist, Winyo has captivated audiences on the global stage, with performances at the U.S. Library of Congress, the African Union Pan-African Cultural Congress, as part of the Paris Olympics 2024, and at countless festivals around the world. Singing in English, Swahili, and Dholuo, Winyo has collaborated with musical legends from around the globe—from Joss Stone to Vieux Farka Touré, Gilberto Gil to Oliver Mtukudzi. Now co-signed to British indie label Abubilla Music and Kenyan label Ketebul Music, he’s set to release his highly anticipated second album in 2025—a powerful exploration of loss, resilience, and hope.