Habel Kifoto : Remembering Legendary Kenyan Musician

Habel Kifoto was one of the most prominent personalities in the Kenya music scene. He started off in
the military then ended up being one of most legendary artists in Kenya.


His music was well arranged and melodious songs which were featured often the state broadcaster, the Kenya broadcasting corporation especially in the 1980s.



Habel while in the military formed the Maroon Commandos band in the 1970’s which included other
members of the military.




Most notable amongst these songs was the mega hit Charonyi ni Wasi which
was composed by Kifoto and which literally means “life is hard” in his native Taita language and Uvivu
Mbaya done in the Swahili language.

The band was mostly known to perform in government functions but the hit songs (Charonyi Ni Wasi
and Uvivu Mbaya) put the group on the music map. The sound resonated with the livelihood of the
people and became a hit which stood the test of time since it has its relevance to date.

The band made more albums namely as; Jangwa Kubwa, Paulina, Mwakaribishwa Na Maroon, Pokea
Salamu plus many more.

By 2009, Habel Kifoto had retired from the Kenya army and he passed away on 31st July 2011 in Nairobi
of a heart attack. His memories still remain alive through his music which is still rocking the airwaves.


Today, the Maroon Commandos Band fifty years on is still active and performing.

The band is always growing and recruiting new members as the older members retire. The influence of Kifoto on the band remains as a reminder of why the band was formed and a guide to the future of music by infusing the
old to the new generation.