From Migori to Kenny G: The Story of "The Fisherman" Coster Ojwang

Kenyan multi-talented artist Coster Ojwang, also known as "the fisherman," is preparing for a significant performance at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on 27th September.

This highly anticipated event, dubbed the "Kenny G One Night Only," will see Ojwang share his unique blend of jazz and cultural music with an international audience.

Kenny G, an internationally renowned American smooth jazz saxophonist, is expected to perform at the event, which has been dubbed “the second Valentine’s Day.”

Coster Ojwang Ready for Kenny G Event // Instagram

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Performing at the Kenny G Concert

Coster Ojwang's performance on 27th September at KICC is set to be a four-hour spectacle. He plans to deliver a fusion of jazz and cultural music, promising an exploration of diverse sounds.

He revealed this during an interview with Mpasho’s Kalondu Musyimi, saying he is ready to perform with all his musical instruments.

“On the Kenny G concert, I will perform at least 2 songs from my new album, Mbak Ndalo. Fans will see a lot.”

ALSO READ: Kenny G's Nairobi Concert: A Guide for First-Time Jazz Fans

On the amount of time he will grace the stage, Ojwang stated, “I’m only requesting if they can allow me to perform for 4 hours, so that when Kenny G comes on stage, he crowns it all.”

When asked about instruments on stage, he confirmed: "So, of course, the regular stuff that we have saxtrumpet, and guitars, Keyboard. I'll also carry my regular shenanigans, the horn and my voice."

Inspiration by Kenny G

Coster Ojwang had a mixed reaction to Kenny G’s inspiration for his blend of jazz in his music.

On whether Kenny G has inspired him in any way, Ojwang said, “I’d say yes and no. No, because I was not intentional about music during the time I was listening to his music. These are those songs that we could listen to Sundowner without knowing the artist behind them. I wasn’t keen about music, but when I started making music, my sound focus had already shifted from that to more local and native stuff.”

“And yes, because at the back of my mind, those memories and melodies are lingering and they will play a part in how I make sounds, but not like intentionally,” he added.

The Fisherman's Journey: From Migori to Nairobi

Coster Ojwang proudly embraces the moniker "the fisherman," a title stemming from his roots in Migori County. He describes himself as "the ambassador of African music".

Ojwang recounts a childhood spent entirely in village life in Migori, returning there for a year after high school before moving to town.

He views himself as one of the last generations to experience both authentic village and urban life. This background shapes his perspective, leading him to appreciate "a band house" differently due to growing up in scarcity.

The Kenny G concert is brought to you by Stanbic Bank, the leader in vehicle asset financing, in collaboration with telecommunications giant Safaricom, with its exclusive Emerald package and EABL, the makers of Tanqueray and Tusker Malt, and powered by Radio Africa Events.