Live At the Elephant 17th Edition

Leo Mkanyia is a relatively new name in Kenya, but this in no way demeans the awesome talent that this musician possesses.
Born to a guitarist father,  Leo has grown in leaps and bounds to become a prolific guitarist and vocalist in his own right. He has often credited his maternal grandmother for fanning his musical fire. His music is delivered in a myriad of languages among them Kiyao, Kimakua, Swahili, English and French.

Leo started off as a self-taught guitarist at the tender age of eight, because his father did not approve of his career interests. He however came around when one day, he chanced upon Leo playing deftly.  Impressed, Henry Mkanyia he offered to take him under his wing. Today, Leo’s father is a member of Leo’s own band Swahili Blues Band.

Leo’s six man band comprises of Leo on guitar and vocals, with the other five members playing harmonica, xylophone, percussions, saxophone and rhythm guitar. Their names are Henry Mkanyia, Juma Setumbi, Felix Kijana, Yahaya Rajabu and Kesembe Ungani. 

Swahili Blues Band’s sound, is a mélange of coastal sounds peppered with other elements that breathe life to every audience.
The band has two albums under their belt, Dunia Hii (This world) released in 2011, and their sophomore offering Jasho Langu (My Sweat) which came hot in the heels of the debut album a year later. 

Dan Aceda has been wowing audiences for over a decade now. Since Sana-Sana, his voice has been a staple for avid lovers of modern Benga Music. He opines about love, social ills and other issues that tug at the heartstrings of music fans.
His trademark storytelling has set him aside as a notable songwriter. Songs like An e Yo display his mellow side, which has ensured he’s engraved like a tattoo on female fans’ hearts.

Aceda is a feted artiste. He has won two Kisima Awards for Best male Urban fusion artiste as well as Songwriter of the year among others.  He was a cast member of Mo Faya, the first Kenyan musical to be staged in the off Broadway New York Musical Theatre Festival. His role was that of “Prof”, the quirky narrator whose brilliant delivery made his a favourite with the audience.
His duets with other notable singers live Amileena, Neema Ntalel, Eric Wainaina and Kavutha Mwanzia remain classics that will be cited as songs that capture Kenya’s unique sound.
Dan Aceda has three albums to his name, and has toured the world flying his African Bonfire flag sky high. According to his website, he was a member of the prestigious Global Health Corps Fellowship Class of 2013. In June 2014, Dan was picked as a member of the UN Global Accelerator network of entrepreneurs. His hat is full of feathers as he is also an accomplished architect and quite gifted in the IT landscape.