Simba Wanyika, whose name means "Lion of the Savannah" in Swahili, was a prominent East African band formed in 1971 in Kenya by two Tanzanian brothers, Wilson Kinyonga and George Kinyonga. The Kinyonga brothers began their musical careers in their hometown of Tanga, Tanzania, joining the Jamhuri Jazz Band in 1966. Before establishing Simba Wanyika, they moved to Arusha and formed Arusha Jazz in 1970 with their brother, William Kinyonga.
After relocating to Kenya, the band quickly established a large following by playing in Nairobi nightclubs and bars. By the mid-1970s, Simba Wanyika was a well-known name throughout Kenya, propelled by hits like "Mwongele" and "Wana Wanyika." Their signature style was a guitar-driven sound combining highly melodic rumba with Swahili lyrics, a style influenced by the Soukous guitarist Dr. Nico.
The group faced internal division, leading to the creation of several famous offshoot bands. The first major split occurred in the late 1970s when rhythm guitarist Omar Shabani, often called "Professor Omar Shabani," took several musicians to form Les Wanyika in 1978. In 1980, George Kinyonga also left to form Orchestra Jobiso, although he eventually rejoined Simba Wanyika while managing side projects with Jobiso. To distinguish themselves from their successful offshoots, Les Wanyika and Super Wanyika Stars, the original band later changed its name to "Simba Wanyika Original."
The band experienced a resurgence in popularity in the mid-1980s, releasing many hits and embarking on a tour of Europe in 1989. However, the group eventually disbanded in 1994. The legacy of Simba Wanyika lives on through its significant contributions to East African music and its multiple offshoots, which continue to play. The Kinyonga brothers, George Peter and Wilson Peter, who were central to the band, passed away in 1992 and 1995, respectively.