I remember this day quite clearly: it was Saturday 17th October 2009; there was an Oliver Mutukudzi concert going down at Bomas and the JAB 82 launch at GoDown Arts Centre; I was torn between the two and I’m glad I made the better choice. JAB’s sound was still relatively new in a country where many forms of Benga dominated the airwaves, so their fan base was small, but very dedicated. Actually, the concert felt more like a gathering of friends of the JAB lead members, Jim Chuchu, Bildad Selanga and Daniel Muli.

Before I continue, let me put it out there that I’ll be revisiting past concerts over the next couple of weeks for Throwback Thursday (TBT). When cataloging my photos, I realised that there’s many I hadn’t blogged, mostly because I didn’t start blogging until about three years ago, and there is a need to document the journey our entertainers have taken before getting where they are today. (End of Press Briefing)

So, on that Saturday evening, we packed the GoDown Auditorium to see our buddies jam for us. Since I had a camera, I was allowed into the performance space as sound check was ongoing. I used Canon’s 50mm f/1.8 (the cheapest lens Canon made back then) for all these shots. I didn’t want to ruin the mood the lighting gave by using a flash so the 50mm was the perfect choice.

This is Tito Monako. I think this is the second time I was seeing him play, the first being at Kanjii’s Stories Album Launch at Carnivore Gardens on 7th December 2007.

The guy in red is Livinsgtone Katingima who you might have seen whizz past you in traffic on a super bike.

Let’s just say that the Good Lord has since expanded Joe Were’s territories.

Jim Chuhu, pointing like a Kenyan.

The guys at Bonk had tees on sale. From what they’re wearing, you can tell JAB and Bonk are friends.

After sound check, everyone cleared the stage and the fans trooped in.

Juliani lent his lyrical prowess to one of the songs.

I can’t recall her name but she was very good on vocals.

Before the concert ended, some three guys who were unknown to me got on stage and performed two songs. Today, they need no introduction.

Yeah, Njoki Ngumi was there too.

 

Hope you enjoyed this JAB trip. You can see more photos from the concert here.