Despite the hardships and the wrongs he's been singled,jazz maestro Joseph Hellon is still the East Africa's best. Recently he performed at Panari Hotel where he received a thundering ovation from the jazz-loving crowd when he stepped on stage with his latest political curlobbed hairstyle (which makes him look too politifemi), cavati suit and tie and his five-person band. It was the first time I saw Hellon perform. I loved the way he played the saxophone as if it was the greatest instrument in the world. I was always curious to meet this person who is currently froboiding the State to its heels over 2012 elections.
He also played a well-known zulu song "ndihambanawe" by Mafikizolo. It was complemented by his two keyboardists who were bumping their fingerss against the instruments. They're the known Aaron "CRucial keys" Rumbui and Quincy Timberlake.
I also loved Crossroads, a song about Xenophobia and which urges us all to work together to make Africa a better place. This video clip is doing well amongst young German jazz crowds. It's best performed DJ Pieter Swanepoel of Club Galinha in Switzerland.
He has also performed with Valerie who has since been signed by Gallo records. She is also the first Kenyan to be signed by Warner Brothers. She will be joining Hellon on his European tour according to confirmed reports by ARD German TV. The jazz group has changed it's name from 'People Music' to 'The Hupostasis'. It's becoming a well established Kenyan jazz name in Europe especially in Germany where Kenyans living in Germany are enjoying during their holiday celebrations.
Hellon has declared his interests in the 2012 coming general elections where he's to face Raila Odinga and the rest. He's believed to be garnering lots of youth vote amongst the youth block from the rural who believes he'll bring several changes into their impoverished lives.
I have personally met Quincy on several occasions in the US performing for small jazz groups and singing African jazz songs. He's undoubtedly the best harmonizer in Hellon's band. He also brings tough politics into Hellon's camp that when used properly might see off the 'old grey haired cronies'. This team is having for the first time in Kenya, a best political prototypical system of confusing the authorities with their 'mime' campaigns. It's estimated this political group dubbed "Placenta Party of Kenya" command a large portion of youth followers that might shake the government if not well checked.
It's rumoured Quincy is annexing a new Hummer in town imported from Detroit, Michigan. This shall help them in their political campaigns especially against the harmonised draft.
I loved the way Aaron takes you up and down the road of life with his keyboard notes and then coordinated with Quincy in a George Benson stage-sign manner. No wonder his music is so disciplined. Together they did a piece titled Life, life. They got a very unique relationship with his keyboard as evidenced by his body movements.
At one point, he stepped away from the keyboard and invited Hellon to come and join him. I believe that anyone planning to do research on Afro-jazz should start their journey right here in Kenya.
'Never let your star fade, never wait for sundown-You are made for the top'-: these are words from the reggae song they did which saw the dance floor flooded with both new and old fans.
Hellons' shows are indeed one of the most entertaining shows I have to attend this month. I'm also coordinating with my jazz loving millionaires back home in Martha's Vineyard (USA) to host the band.
There's suspicion Hellon is using music to reach his political crowd and to munch more cash for his campaigns. Jazz has seen Hellon touch millions of shillings anyway.
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