Ethiopia has always been our second home: Kenyan musicians

Addis Ababa, June 13, 2023 (FBC) – Kenyan legendary “Them Mushroom” band members stated that Ethiopia has always been their second home, according to the Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi.

Bacha Debele Buta, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Kenya, met with Kenyan legendary “Them Mushroom” band members at his residence today.

Ambassador Bacha Debele commented during the discussion about the importance of the music played with Shimelis Ararso (Abu Jambo Ethiopia) in strengthening the cultural bonds between Ethiopia and Kenya.

He also acknowledged the band’s golden contribution to Ethiopia and Kenya’s cultural relations. The Band was called up to further promote the cultural relationship between the two sisterly countries.

As Mr. John Katana and Mr. Billy Zarro explained, Ethiopia has always been their second home and the creation of cultural diplomacy will give bilateral relations a new impetus. During the meeting, they emphasized their desire to work with the Embassy to enhance mutual understanding and deepen friendship between the two countries.

Finally, Ambassador Bacha has invited the team to join the recently established Ethio-Kenyan Friendship Association. He also called upon them to closely work with Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi, to which the team has responded positively.

Founded in 1972, the band is most famous for its 1980 Swahili hit songs; Jambo Bwana (Kenya Hakuna Matata), it is noted.

The bands slogan “Hakuna Matata” was adopted in a recording by Jimmy  Cliff, which was also used as a theme song on the box-office hit movie “Lion King”.

“Them Mushroom” had between 1990 and 1994, frequently travelled to and performed both Ethiopian and Kenyan Music at various events with famous Ethiopian Artists including Mohamoud Ahmed and Dr. Mulatu Astatikie. They have also showcasing their music in various parts of Ethiopia such as Welliso, Ambo, Jimma and Nikemete.