Legendary deceased rhumba musician Juma Toto rose to fame, especially due to his enigmatic single, FC Gor Mahia, in 1970. The song praised Gor Mahia Football Club star players of the time and eventually became the club’s anthem.

            However, the great music singer, composer and instrumentalist, died on Tuesday night at the Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, aged 70. He was receiving treatment after hitting his head against a pavement following an accidental fall near his home in Jerusalem estate, Nairobi, last weekend.

Toto, a staunch crusader for musicians’ rights, was born in Gem, Siaya county, and started his music in the 1960s. He came to Nairobi in 1966 to properly start a national music career. He joined Hodi Boys Band in 1968 and performed with artistes such as Edward Nginyo, Henry Mbogo and Nicholas Ndung’u.

He also sang with Maishani Boys Band that was then based at Rwathia Bar in downtown Nairobi. After migrating to Nairobi, however, Toto had to learn how to compose songs in English and Kiswahili from his mother tongue Dholuo he was accustomed to. Being the quick learner he was, he quickly started blending his songs with the two languages.

In his illustrious career, he released many other songs including Marginnina and Pesa Rach (with Orchestra Toddy Inter), Sele, Orudo, Jaber Rossy, Sister Jane, Wageni Wa Miaka and Luo Union.

The last bow

In 2010, Toto — who also worked closely with legendary musician, Ochieng Kabaselleh — released a new and his last album titled, Oyundi Ni Se Se, an eight-track collection done in Kiswahili and Dholuo.

His latest work of music was as a resident pianist at Nairobi’s Panari Hotel, where he serenaded revellers on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. Until his death, he was Kenya Musicians Union (Kemu) chairman.

Following his demise, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga said: “The death of legendary rhumba singer Juma Toto has robbed the country, Africa and the music industry of one of its most gifted and prolific musicians. I join Juma’s fans in mourning his sudden death. May God grant peace and strength to his family at this moment of grief.”

Iconic music record house, Ketebul Music, eulogised Toto saying that the gap he left would be hard to fill.

“He was a gentle, profoundly passionate man whose heart carried the spirit while his voice bore the smoke of his beloved country. A big man has gone and left a big hole, but he leaves behind a lot of warmth and many beautiful songs,” said the label.

Tamasha Records said: “We’re heartbroken to learn the news of the untimely passing of Juma Toto. We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends, music fraternity, and his fans upon this time of bereavement, and may God bring you the much needed peace and comfort till we meet again.”

One of his ardent fans Pappa Alphonce said: “Safari ya Samburu (was) one of the songs Juma Toto loved so much. Rest In Peace Jathum (musician).”

George Kopiyo wrote on Facebook: “A great son of Gem has rested. Rest In Peace Mzee Juma Toto. May you find peace in the world yonder (sic).”

Toto is survived by a wife, son and daughter.