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NIANG' LOTH, WHO IS THIS GUY?

 If you have been listening to Ohangla or Luo Benga for a while then you'll probably be familiar with the name Okoth Niang' Loth. I don't know, but his name just pops out a lot in the dedications (or what Congolese people refer to as "Kobwaka mabanga"). The Kobwaka Mabanga culture is a phenomena associated with sending dedications to often rich people - mostly patrons of the art - who in one way or another has supported an artiste's craft. Translating literally to "throwing stones" it has been a huge part of the Congolese rumba tradition. Names Like Patrique Luwowo, Tchatcho Mbala, Adam Bombole, Didi Kinuani, Kayembe Chez Temba, Jose Kongolo FBI, Tabou Fatou "Mama na Compressor", Eddy Badiata and Ahmed Bakayoko pop up a lot in the dedications.

The Kobwaka Mabanga culture is a phenomena associated with sending dedications to (often) rich people  mostly patrons of the art.

Well, Luo music has a version of their own. You'll hear names like Obonyo K'Onyuka, Onyango Bade Bunde, Cyprian Awiti, Walter Woud Awendo, Hosea Songa, Okoth "Dayo Doyo Niang' Loth" wuod Awendo, Oyugi Magwanga, Agwata Misinga, Jiambe Otoyo, Raila Odinga, Ochola Kamili, Nyakwar Duka, Okello woudgi Ombalo Jasuba, Okelo woudgi Ogungo, Otis Jaborder, Adwera wuon Okello and others. In the song Safari ya Kendu, Onyango Mayienga mentions many names but there's one which stands out like a sore thumb: Okoth woud Awendo. The singer then adds "Mano Okoth dayo doh niang loth.." and you begin to wonder who this guy could be. In the "Nyathi Nyakach" song by the late Biggy, the description "niang loth" is applied to someone else, possibly a woman.

But "Okoth Niang' Loth" is most likely a prominent businessman-cum-politician from Awendo area in Migori County, South Nyanza. This is the best guess. "Niang' Loth" means "sugarcane are sprouting".

This article is to be continued...

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