MOGONDO SHARKS is a musical group from Kenya that specializes in Kalenjin benga music, a genre that blends traditional rhythms and melodies with modern instruments and lyrics. The group consists of Meshack Kipkorir Kirui, who goes by the stage name MOGONDO SHARKS OFFICIAL, and his backup singers and dancers. They have released several hit songs, such as SAFARI, MEMO, and JOY, that have gained popularity among Kalenjin listeners and beyond.

The group’s name is derived from Mogondo village in Narok county, where Kirui was born and raised. He started singing at a young age and was inspired by his father, who was also a musician. He later moved to Nairobi to pursue his musical career and formed MOGONDO SHARKS with his friends. He describes his music as a way of expressing his emotions, experiences, and culture to the world.

MOGONDO SHARKS has collaborated with other Kalenjin artists, such as Afisaa Junior, Faith Therui, and CEO MILES, and has performed at various events and shows across the country. They have also attracted a large fan base on social media platforms, such as YouTube , where they upload their music videos and interact with their followers. The group aims to promote Kalenjin benga music to a wider audience and to inspire young aspiring musicians to follow their dreams.

Kalenjin benga music is a musical genre that originated from the Kalenjin community in Kenya. It is characterized by fast-paced rhythms, electric guitars, and lyrics that reflect the social and cultural issues of the Kalenjin people. Some of the themes that are common in Kalenjin benga music include love, marriage, politics, religion, and humor. Kalenjin benga music is also influenced by other musical styles, such as rumba, reggae, gospel, and hip hop.

Some of the pioneers of Kalenjin benga music include Daniel Arap Moi, who was a former president of Kenya and a singer of Kalenjin songs; John Junior, who was a popular benga artist in the 1990s and 2000s; and Diana Chemutai Musila, who was also known as Chelele and was a female benga singer who was murdered in 2016. Some of the current Kalenjin benga artists include Rhino Kaboom, Samkistar, Sweetstar, Second Junior, Nefew Star, Afisaa Junior, Faith Therui, CEO MILES, and MOGONDO SHARKS .

Kalenjin benga music has a large fan base in Kenya and abroad, especially among the Kalenjin diaspora. It is also appreciated by other communities and cultures for its lively and catchy tunes. Kalenjin benga music is often played at weddings, parties, festivals, and other social events. It is also broadcasted on radio stations and television channels that cater to the Kalenjin audience. Kalenjin benga music is a source of pride and identity for the Kalenjin people and a way of preserving and promoting their culture.

However, Kalenjin benga music is not without its challenges. Some of the obstacles that the genre faces include piracy, lack of adequate promotion, competition from other genres, and cultural erosion. Piracy is a major threat to the livelihood of Kalenjin benga artists, as their music is illegally copied and sold at low prices, depriving them of their rightful royalties. Lack of adequate promotion means that many Kalenjin benga artists do not get enough exposure and recognition in the mainstream media and music industry. Competition from other genres, such as gospel, hip hop, and reggae, also affects the popularity and marketability of Kalenjin benga music. Cultural erosion is another challenge that Kalenjin benga music faces, as some of the traditional values and practices that inspired the genre are gradually fading away due to modernization and globalization.

Despite these challenges, Kalenjin benga music continues to thrive and evolve, thanks to the creativity and resilience of its artists and fans. Some of the ways that Kalenjin benga music has adapted to the changing times include incorporating new instruments, such as keyboards and drums; experimenting with new styles and influences, such as rumba and reggae; addressing contemporary issues and concerns, such as politics and social justice; and using digital platforms, such as YouTube , to reach a wider audience. Kalenjin benga music has also inspired other genres, such as kapuka and genge, which are popular among the urban youth in Kenya.

Kalenjin benga music is a rich and diverse genre that reflects the history, culture, and identity of the Kalenjin people. It is a genre that celebrates life, love, and laughter, while also addressing the challenges and struggles that the people face. It is a genre that connects the past with the present, and the rural with the urban. It is a genre that has made a significant contribution to the Kenyan music scene and beyond. It is a genre that deserves respect and recognition.